Bluetongue appears in Brabant: sheep are especially at risk of becoming ill

The bluetongue virus has emerged in our province. A livestock farm in Almkerk has been affected by this. It is not known which company is involved and how many animals have become ill. There is a chance that the animals will die from it. People cannot become infected. The virus is transmitted by the midge, a small mosquito. “Sheep farmers in particular are rightly very concerned.”

Almkerk is the first place in Brabant where the virus has been detected. At the beginning of this month, the midge struck several other sheep farms in Utrecht and North Holland. Since then, animals on more than four hundred livestock farms elsewhere in the country have been bitten by that mosquito, which last struck in our country fifteen years ago.

“This contamination was in line with expectations.”

“It was expected that our province would also have its turn. It was coming, given the pace at which the virus is spreading. It is very annoying for the farmer who is affected by this,” says Jeannette van den. Ven from Oirschot. She is the portfolio holder for Healthy Animals at the Agriculture and Horticulture Organization (LTO). “I heard at the end of the afternoon that an infection had also been reported in Brabant, but I did not yet know where exactly.”

If an animal is infected, it eats poorly, becomes lethargic and lethargic and the text stiffens. They may also develop blisters or a blue tongue. “Although the latter phenomenon does not occur often,” says Van de Ven.

She says she is in close contact with members, administrators and, for example, veterinary practices about the outbreak of the bluetongue virus. “Unfortunately, we receive many reports of high mortality among affected sheep. Sheep farmers in particular are very concerned, but we are also receiving more and more reports of cattle with serious symptoms of illness,” says Van de Ven.

“It’s difficult to put sheep away somewhere in a vacuum.”

She also says that sheep farmers find it extra annoying because they can hardly prevent infection by the midge. “It is difficult to store sheep somewhere in a vacuum. The only thing you can do is bring them in on time, at the end of the afternoon. And above all, keep an eye on the health of the herd. There is also no vaccine, although the LTO is in contact with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to obtain it from abroad if necessary. But that takes time.” The symptoms in sick animals can be suppressed somewhat by painkillers or by allowing them to drink plenty of fluids.

“Report an infection, then we will have an idea of ​​the spread.”

Animals that have contracted the virus do not pose a risk of infection to other animals or people. It is not a zoonosis. That is why a transport ban will never be announced once the virus has been discovered. “You can assume that once one animal has been stung, such a midge will strike in more places in a company,” Van de Ven warns. She strongly advises farmers to report an infection. “Then we at least have an idea of ​​the spread.”

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