Red alarm level: Blue disease spreads rapidly in the southwest

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In the southwest of Germany, the spread of blue -tongue disease is progressing rapidly. At least 94 companies in Baden-Württemberg are now affected, while the nationwide number is over 4,800 according to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (Fli). It is particularly alarming that only 13 cases were registered across Germany in June. However, the exact number of infected animals in the affected companies remains unclear, as a spokeswoman for the FLI reports.

The situation began to get serious when the first outbreak of the disease was found in Schahafen on August 8th in the Rems-Murr district. Since then, the plague has also spread in other regions such as the Rhein-Neckar district, where quarantine measures and veterinary requirements have recently been issued. The affected livestock companies are now urgently called for vaccinating their animals to get the plague under control.

urgent need for action

Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir commented concerns about the rapid spread. According to his statements, the disease has now appeared all over Germany, with the exception of Berlin. "There is an urgent need for action," said Özdemir during an appointment in Ludwigsburg and asked the owners to have their animals vaccinated against the blue -tongue disease. He regrets that there is currently no vaccine at the European level, but has obtained an urgent approval at the national level.

The minister appealed to the farmers to use the new availability of vaccine to contain the spread of the disease: "We now have the vaccine. Now you also have to vaccinate so that we can get it in."

effects on agriculture

The blue -tongue virus, which is mainly transmitted by certain mosquitoes, is harmless to humans. Nevertheless, the disease has serious effects on the affected animals. Sheep and cattle are particularly affected, although the symptoms can often cause considerable pain. In some cases, the disease can even be fatal, especially for sheep that often suffer from severe pain in the mouth.

The state migrant association in Baden-Württemberg draws attention to the fact that many companies are already reaching their economic limits. Anette Wohlfarth, the managing director of the association, warns that some farmers have the existence at stake.

Blozungen disease even has an impact on traditional events, such as the “historical shepherd run” in Markgröningen, which had to be canceled due to the plague. The winners of the competition, which traditionally received a sheep as a prize, had to make up for money this year, since the animal reward could not be awarded due to the situation.

The pathogen of the blue-tongue disease is the variety BTV-3, and the experts expect the epidemic to continue to cause existing problems in the coming year. Within just ten months, the virus has spread nationwide, with Saxony as the latest state, in which cases were reported. The German Farmers' Association reports that around 10.6 million cattle are counted nationwide, of which a significant part is housed in the heavily affected federal states.

The urgency of a vaccination program

The current situation requires immediate and coordinated measures to contain the disease. It remains to be hoped that farmers can use the opportunity to vaccination and thus stop the spread of the virus. After all, the risks of human health that emerge due to the blue -tongue disease are almost equally zero. Nevertheless, the threat to farms and animals must be taken seriously, and a comprehensive strategy is required to ensure both the economy of agriculture and the well -being of animals.

political measures and reactions

The spread of blue -tung disease not only has health but also profound political effects. Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir has announced several measures in view of the situation. In addition to the urgent registration of the vaccine, regular information and advice for animal owners are also in the foreground. The aim is to educate the farmers about the dangers and the necessary protective measures.

The German Farmers' Association has also reacted to the situation and demands additional support from the government for the affected companies. These forums for the exchange among farmers are important in order to develop strategies to combat the disease and to secure financial support for those affected by the animal disease.

economic effects on animal husbandry

The economic consequences of the blue -tongue disease can already be felt. A significant decline in productivity in the affected companies is imminent. In particular, sheep and cattle holders are not only faced with the possible illness of their animals, but also with vocal criticism of the marketing options of their products.

The prices for meat and milk could rise due to offer bottlenecks, while at the same time the farms have to fight with a decline in sales. Experts warn that the industry could be under financial pressure, which could lead to insolvency risks for many smaller companies.

Health risks for animals and effects on agriculture

The health risks of blue -tongue disease are considerable. Sheep are particularly susceptible to the disease that can cause severe symptoms such as inflammation and pain. The well -being of the animals comes first, and a quick vaccination campaign is crucial to curb the plague.

In the long term, the disease could have a negative impact on genetics and breeding programs, since affected animals may no longer be able to be used for breeding. The Baden-Württemberg State Shaping Breeding Association has already warned that the consequences could not only endanger the entire industry in the short term, but in the long term.