2024-09-09 02:15:09
Marie-Odile Nicolas injects an antibiotic into one of her animals suffering from bluetongue (BT). In Aspremont (Hautes-Alpes), September 7, 2024. THIBAUT DURAND/MAXPPP
Over the past year, not one, not two, but three scourges have struck French sheep and cattle farms. First, in August 2023, there was the detection of a new strain of serotype 8 of bluetongue (BT) in Aveyron, then in September 2023, the arrival on the territory of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) from Spain to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, and finally, on August 5, the detection of a first case of a new serotype, 3, of BT from Belgium to the North. Three epizootic diseases that are potentially fatal for animals. Three viruses carried by the same midges, the culicoides.
“The current French situation is unprecedented in Europe, so it worries us”warns Emmanuel Garin, veterinary epidemiologist for the network of Health Defense Groups (GDS France). “For a farm, being affected by a disease has an impact on the health and well-being of the animals, on production, on the cost of veterinary treatments. But if, in addition, a few months later, it’s the turn of a second and then a third disease, we don’t know what the consequences will be; it’s a big unknown.”explains the expert, who advises breeders to improve the health and well-being of their animals.
The map showing the advance of the different fronts – regularly updated by GDS France – has already reported several cases of viral cocirculation. A large quarter of the southwest is affected by both serotype 8 of FCO and MHE, while Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire and Doubs host both serotypes of FCO.
Humans are not affected
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Since its first detection in France in 2006, bluetongue has been responsible for several epizootic waves affecting sheep, but also cattle and, to a lesser extent, goats. While it can have serious consequences for animals, with symptoms ranging from fever to respiratory problems, including facial edema and cyanosis of the tongue – which is why it is called « blue tongue » (“blue tongue”) in English – it cannot affect humans and has no impact on the quality of products (meat, milk) from sick animals.
Since the re-emergence of the disease in 2015, the symptoms seemed to have diminished, perhaps due to collective immunity acquired through successive waves. Bluetongue has since been considered endemic; the vaccine against serotype 8 is no longer reimbursed by the State. However, the arrival of a new strain a year ago has severely affected livestock farming. “Nobody expected the emergence of a new strain, because it is a virus that normally mutates littleanalyse Emmanuel Garin. It has the same name, but from a health point of view, it is not the same disease.” The new serotype 3, from northern Europe, is once again reshuffling the cards. Especially since it seems more virulent than its southern cousin: breeders are describing animals losing their hooves.
You have 66.09% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
1726024561
#unprecedented #worrying #accumulation #diseases #livestock #France
What measures can farmers take to prevent the spread of bluetongue in their livestock amid the current outbreak in France?
Bluetongue Outbreak in France: A Threat to Livestock and the Livelihood of Farmers
Bluetongue, a viral disease spread by midges, has been wreaking havoc on French sheep and cattle farms over the past year. The disease, which is not contagious and cannot affect humans, has been responsible for several epizootic waves in France since its first detection in 2006 [[2]]. The current situation is unprecedented in Europe, with three serotypes of the disease – 8, 3, and EHD (epizootic hemorrhagic disease) – affecting livestock in different regions of France.
A Triple Threat to Livestock
The first detection of a new strain of serotype 8 of bluetongue was reported in Aveyron in August 2023, followed by the arrival of EHD from Spain in September 2023, and the detection of a new serotype, 3, from Belgium in August 2024. These three viruses, carried by the same midges, pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of animals, as well as the livelihood of farmers [[1]].
Consequences for Livestock and Farmers
Bluetongue can have serious consequences for animals, including fever, respiratory problems, facial edema, and cyanosis of the tongue, which is why it is called “blue tongue” in English [[2]]. The disease can also have a significant impact on farmers, affecting the health and well-being of their animals, production, and the cost of veterinary treatments. With the arrival of multiple serotypes, the consequences for farmers are compounded, and the impact on their livelihood is unpredictable [[3]].
Viral Cocirculation and Endemic Status
The map showing the advance of the different fronts, regularly updated by GDS France, has already reported several cases of viral cocirculation. A large quarter of the southwest is affected by both serotype 8 of FCO and MHE, while Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire, and Doubs host both serotypes of FCO. Bluetongue has been considered endemic in France since its re-emergence in 2015, with the symptoms seeming to have diminished due to collective immunity acquired through successive waves. However, the arrival of a new strain a year ago has severely affected livestock farming.
Vaccination and Prevention
The vaccine against serotype 8 is no longer reimbursed by the State, making it essential for farmers to take preventive measures to protect their animals. Improving the health and well-being of animals, as advised by veterinary epidemiologists, is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease.
Conclusion
The current bluetongue outbreak in France is a significant concern for livestock farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole. With multiple serotypes of the disease affecting different regions, the consequences for farmers and their animals are unpredictable. It is essential for farmers to take preventive measures and for the authorities to provide support and guidance to mitigate the impact of this disease.
References:
Bluetongue Outbreak in France: A Comprehensive Overview
In recent years, France has been grappling with the resurgence of bluetongue (BT), a viral disease that affects sheep, cattle, and goats. The current outbreak has raised concerns among farmers, veterinarians, and animal health experts, as it has led to the detection of multiple strains of the disease, including serotype 8 and serotype 3. This article provides an in-depth look at the bluetongue outbreak in France, its history, symptoms, and the measures that farmers can take to prevent its spread.
History of Bluetongue in France
Bluetongue was first detected in France in 2006, and since then, the country has experienced several epizootic waves of the disease [1[1]. The disease has been responsible for significant economic losses in the livestock industry, particularly in the sheep farming sector. In recent years, the French authorities have taken measures to control the spread of the disease, including the implementation of vaccination programs and surveillance measures [2[2].
Symptoms and Impact of Bluetongue
Bluetongue is a viral disease that is transmitted by the bite of infected midges, specifically the Culicoides species. The disease can have serious consequences for animals, including fever, respiratory problems, facial edema, and cyanosis of the tongue, which gives the disease its name. While it cannot affect humans, bluetongue can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of animals, as well as on the productivity of farms.
Current Outbreak in France
The current outbreak of bluetongue in France is unprecedented, with three epizootic diseases affecting sheep and cattle farms. In August 2023, a new strain of serotype 8 was detected in Aveyron, followed by the arrival of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) from Spain to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques in September 2023. More recently, a new serotype, 3, of BT has been detected in the North of France. The rapid spread of these diseases has raised concerns among farmers and animal health experts, who warn that the consequences of the outbreak are still unknown [3[3].
Measures to Prevent the Spread of Bluetongue
Farmers can take several measures to prevent the spread of bluetongue in their livestock. These include:
- Vaccination: Vaccination is an effective way to prevent the spread of bluetongue. Farmers can vaccinate their animals against serotype 8, which is currently available.
- Vector control: Controlling the population of midges that transmit the disease is essential. Farmers can use insecticides and other measures to reduce the midge population on their farms.
- Surveillance: Regular surveillance of animals is crucial to detect the disease early and prevent its spread. Farmers should monitor their animals closely and report any suspicious symptoms to their veterinarians.
- Improved farm management: Good farm management practices, such as maintaining clean and dry living conditions for animals, can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Conclusion
The current bluetongue outbreak in France is a cause for concern among farmers, veterinarians, and animal health experts. The rapid spread of the disease has raised concerns about the potential consequences for the livestock industry. However, by taking measures to prevent the spread of bluetongue, farmers can reduce the risk of infection and protect their animals. It is essential for farmers to remain vigilant and work closely with veterinarians and animal health authorities to control the spread of the disease.
