August 21, 2024

Close to 4,000 places in Netherlands hit by bluetongue virus

The bluetongue virus has now been detected in 3,807 places in the Netherlands, as reported by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.

The virus has been detected in another 898 locations since a August 12 report. This is the quickest increase in half a week since the virus resurfaced in the Netherlands last month.

Animals are mainly being infected at farming companies in Twente and the Achterhoek. The virus has also often been detected in Noord-Brabant and Limburg. Bluetongue is also spreading quickly in other parts of the country.

Bluetongue is only dangerous for animals. The virus causes a blue tongue, high fevers, and swellings in cattle. The disease is often less severe in goats and cattle.

Many animals were vaccinated against bluetongue in the autumn. According to an initial analysis by the Royal GD Health Service, infections are now somewhat milder than last year.

Researcher Piet van Rijn of Wageningen University said that farmers should give their sheep, goats, cows, and alpacas two vaccinations against the virus. The second vaccine should be given four to five weeks after the first injection so that the animals are better and more protected for a longer time.

Although cows hardly get sick from the virus, Van Rijn advised that they should be vaccinated anyway due to the possible spread of the virus.

- NL Times