This Thursday, sheep farmers, in particular, will protest in Namur. These farmers are facing significant challenges due to ovine bluetongue disease. A farmer from Durbuy, for example, experienced a devastating August.
Two years ago, Zoé moved to the north of Durbuy, fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a farmer. However, last month, her 40 ewes and 50 lambs contracted bluetongue disease. This was a disaster for her, as she lost 15% of her livestock. “We are left with just 35 sheep now…” the breeder reveals. “All of them actually fell ill, exhibiting symptoms of bluetongue.” She elaborates, “They had high fevers, a decrease in milk production, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, resulting in significant and rapid weight loss. We treated them as best as we could…”
Also read: “Bluetongue” disease: months of anxiety in the Netherlands
This loss is not only sentimental; Zoé had cared for these sheep 24 hours a day, seven days a week over the past two years. “Emotionally, it feels like everything is falling apart. All the animals we are around, whom we see every day and handle all the time, are sick, and we know they could potentially die.”
The impact is felt emotionally, but also financially. In just a few days, Zoé spent 10% of her annual revenue on the care of her approximately one hundred animals. On top of that, she had to discard milk for a month, and some pregnant ewes aborted, leading to six months without income. “You see that nothing is going well; you have to hang on and tell yourself that this will eventually end in order to keep working…”
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“I am worried”: more than 500 farms are facing bluetongue disease in Belgium
The sheep sector is calling for regional, and especially federal and European assistance. They feel their concerns are not being addressed. “If nothing is done quickly, within three or four months, we will be out of cash, and many farms will go under…”
Zoé will be demonstrating this Thursday for the future of her farm.
Blue tongue disease catarrhal fever
Impact of Bluetongue Disease on Sheep Farming: A Call to Action
This week, sheep farmers across Belgium, particularly in Namur, are gearing up for a demonstration. The focal point of their concerns is the devastating impact of ovine bluetongue disease, a viral disease that has been wreaking havoc amongst flocks. A notable case is that of Zoé, a farmer from Durbuy, who recently faced a catastrophic August as her flock fell victim to this illness.
Understanding Bluetongue Disease
Bluetongue disease, known scientifically as bluétongue, affects sheep and is transmitted by certain species of biting midges. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as:
- High fever
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid weight loss
- Reproductive issues, including abortions in pregnant ewes
Zoé’s Heartbreaking Experience
Two years ago, Zoé achieved her childhood dream of becoming a farmer in Durbuy, but this dream turned into a nightmare. Last month, her herd of 40 ewes and 50 lambs was devastated by bluetongue disease, resulting in a loss of 15% of her livestock. “There, we are at a small 35 sheep remaining…” she lamented.
“They all actually got sick. They all had symptoms of blue tongue,” she continued, detailing the horrific experience of watching her animals suffer from high fever and severe ulcers. Despite her best efforts to treat her flock, the emotional toll was tremendous. “Emotionally, it feels like everything is falling apart. All the animals that we have around us… Yes, they are all sick; we know that they are potentially going to die.”
The Financial Burden of Bluetongue Disease
The impact of bluetongue disease transcends emotional losses; it poses serious economic repercussions for farmers like Zoé. With more than 10% of her annual revenue spent on treating her flock in just a matter of days, the financial implications are staggering. Alongside this, wasted milk and aborted pregnancies add to her woes.
Economic Implications
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Treatment Costs | 10% of annual turnover |
| Wasted Milk | Variable |
| Loss Due to Aborted Pregnancies | Significant loss of future revenue |
| Overall Income Loss | 6 months without income |
With the ongoing crisis affecting over 500 farms across Belgium, Zoé remarked, “If nothing is done, and quickly, within three to four months, we will run out of cash; there are many farms that will go under…”
The Farmers’ Urgent Plea for Aid
In light of these hardships, the sheep farming community is urgently requesting regional, federal, and European aid. “We feel as though our voices are not being heard,” expressed Zoé, reflecting a common sentiment among her peers.
How the Community Can Help
- Raising Awareness: Sharing stories and experiences on social media and local news can heighten awareness of the issue.
- Advocacy: Contacting local representatives to support farmers through policy changes and funding.
- Participation: Join demonstrations like the one scheduled for Thursday to show solidarity with farmers.
Benefits of Community Support in Agriculture
Support from the community and government can offer numerous benefits, such as:
- Emergency Funding: Providing immediate financial support to recover from livestock losses.
- Education and Resources: Offering training on prevention and control measures for diseases.
- Market Support: Helping farmers maintain market presence and consumer support even during crises.
Case Study: The Netherlands and Blue Tongue Disease
In recent years, the Netherlands faced a significant bluetongue outbreak. Farmers experienced similar emotional and financial turmoil, prompting government action. The Dutch government implemented preventive vaccination programs and established financial aid to help struggling farmers recover. These measures successfully stabilized the sheep farming sector, showing that prompt government intervention is crucial in such crises.
Practical Tips for Sheep Farmers
As farmers like Zoé face this unfolding crisis, here are practical tips for managing and mitigating bluetongue disease risks:
- Vaccination: Vaccinate your flock to build immunity against bluetongue virus strains.
- Midge Control: Implement strategies to control midge populations in and around your farm.
- Monitoring & Reporting: Keep a close eye on flock health and report any signs of illness immediately.
- Networking: Join local farming associations for support and share best practices with fellow farmers.
Conclusion
The plight of sheep farmers like Zoé highlights the urgent need for awareness, community support, and government action in the face of bluetongue disease. As the demonstration in Namur approaches, it serves as a vital opportunity for farmers to voice their struggles and seek the assistance necessary to recover and sustain their livelihoods.
