While the bluetongue virus has been detected in the Grand Duchy, the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration is preparing a vaccination campaign to protect the country’s livestock.
On 2 August, bovine bluetongue was detected by a laboratory. According to the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA), 39 animals (25 cattle, 13 sheep and 1 goat) have recently tested positive on 28 different farms. Given the epidemiological situation in Germany and Belgium, ALVA expects a wave of infection in Luxembourg. Transmitted by midges, the disease could also spread more quickly due to the recent warm weather.
Bluetongue is a non-contagious viral infection of ruminants (mainly cattle and sheep, but also goats, camels and wild ruminants). Classic symptoms include fever, lameness, loss of appetite, excessive salivation and swelling and blueness of the tongue.
No danger to humans
Sheep appear to be more susceptible to infection by serotype 3, the one currently observed, than cattle and fairly high mortality and morbidity rates have already been reported. “In the Netherlands, analyses have shown mortality rates among sick sheep of 50 to 75%,” recalls the Ministry of Agriculture. However, it does not pose any danger to humans and is not transmissible through the consumption of meat or milk.
In order to protect Luxembourg’s livestock, Alva will begin a vaccination campaign once it has received, probably within the week, the vaccines it ordered several weeks previously. “Alva will inform veterinarians as soon as the vaccine is available.” The costs of the vaccine are borne by the State while the owner must pay the vaccination costs.
This vaccination is not mandatory but strongly recommended because it reduces viraemia and limits the risk of mortality. However, it does not completely protect against all clinical signs. “Given these elements and due to the lack of data on vaccines, no bovine or ovine animal can currently be certified for movement to other Member States on the basis of vaccination,” the ministry specifies. Any infected animal must also be declared.
Restrictions on the export of animals
In view of the latest analysis results, the Grand Duchy has lost its “bluetongue-free” status and is considered a regulated area. Consequently, restrictions on the export of susceptible animals (cattle, sheep, goats, camelids, deer) to countries or areas free of this virus have been in place since 2 August 2024.
However, certain intra-Community movements remain possible depending on the exceptions that may be granted.
