Cases of bluetongue have also been identified in Drenthe. Bieler veterinarian Bernd Hetberg is aware of two cases of infection in cattle. The NVWA reports one case in Schoonebeek.
After an outbreak of bluetongue last fall, sheep farmers vaccinated their livestock en masse. However, the virus is on the rise again, with rising temperatures. Especially in Beitou, North Limburg and Achterhoek, but also in Drenthe, Hetberg knows of cases where bluetongue has been diagnosed.
Not surprisingly, says veterinarian Bernd Heitberg. “The temperature evolution shows that the virus is rising again. The midges are active again.”
This doesn’t happen overnight. “It takes time to develop, which requires a temperature of 20 degrees for several days. It’s logical that we’re now seeing a new outbreak.”
As a veterinarian, Heitberg is involved in diagnosing bluetongue in cows and bulls. “There are also a number of tests underway, but it’s not yet certain whether they have the virus,” he added.
It affects ruminants such as cattle, sheep and goats. Symptoms include fever, stiff legs, swollen tongue and sore hooves. Since the beginning of May, livestock farmers have been able to vaccinate their cattle against bluetongue.
According to Heitberg, most sheep farmers have taken action and vaccinated their sheep. However, he believes there is a lot of concern there. “The picture was very clear in sheep: seven out of ten die from bluetongue.” The vaccination rate is lower among cattle farmers, according to Heitberg. “With cows, it’s a matter of waiting. These farmers are more relaxed about it, they haven’t seen how serious it is yet.”
Heitberg confirms that the affected cattle were not vaccinated against bluetongue, just like the animals whose tests are still under investigation. Among them are also sheep.
Farmers and veterinarians are called by the Veterinary Medicines Office of the Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB) to report if vaccinated animals are suspected of being infected with bluetongue. The CGB has made additional calls for this purpose in recent days.
According to Heitberg, this has to do with the rapid acceptance of the vaccine. “We worked hard in the winter to do something about the mass deaths, but there was no time to test the vaccine on a large scale under practical conditions to see the side effects and efficacy. The information from farmers helps map out how the disease will develop.”
