Up to 33 Danish herds may Have blue tongue virus

Blue tongue, a disease, continues to spread among Danish cattle herds. Currently, there are 19 confirmed infections, with suspicions of another 14. The first case in Denmark was identified two weeks prior in Tønder in a sheep herd. Focused in South and Southern Jutland, the contagious virus is expected to reach all parts of Denmark, according to the Food Administration’s threat assessment. While not affecting humans, the virus can be fatal to cattle, sheep, goats, and deer, causing symptoms like swelling of the head, mouth sores, abortions, and a blue discoloration of the tongue in sheep. The Statens Serum Institute (SSI) has received and dispatched 62,100 vaccine doses amid rising demand. Although vaccine cost complaints arose from farmers, with pricing at 40 DKK per dose, the SSSI clarified that the price covers procurement costs, and the Food Administration assured that there isn’t an immediate shortage of doses.