High chance of bluetongue spread in Denmark

The Danish Food Administration expects the bluetongue virus to spread across Denmark, following ten outbreaks since August 9. This is the first occurrence since 2008, starting in a sheep herd in Southern Jutland and affecting ten herds now. Bluetongue does not infect humans but is lethal for ruminants, with symptoms such as mouth sores and a blue tongue in sheep. Euthanasia is often the only option for affected animals. The disease has spread after cases in neighboring European countries. Consequently, Denmark’s status as bluetongue-free has been lost. Livestock owners face financial losses as no compensation for culling is granted. A vaccine that does not prevent transmission by midges is available, with 5,000 doses released and 200,000 reserved for the country.