Bluetongue outbreak spreads: 5000 vaccine doses ready

Six flocks of sheep and cattle in Denmark have confirmed bluetongue outbreaks within just a week and a half. On Monday, the first 5,000 doses of a vaccine become available. Bente Østergaard, chair of the Danish Sheep Breeding Association, anticipates high demand for the vaccine despite unknown costs. The disease, which can be fatal to ruminants, has been identified in South and Central Jutland, and a hobby sheep farm in Spjald. The vaccine can’t stop bloodsucking midges from transmitting the disease but can mitigate its impact. Without state compensation for culling, risks are now shouldered by the owners, unlike during the 2008 outbreak. The Food Administration’s veterinary director, Charlotte Vilstrup Castle, states vaccines can be ordered by vets starting Monday and advises prioritizing sheep and then production cattle for vaccination. Denmark has reserved 200,000 vaccine doses with plans to procure more if necessary.