Feared livestock disease declines but will return

The bluetongue disease has infected over a thousand cattle and sheep herds since its arrival in Denmark this August, with 1005 herds affected and 34 currently under suspicion. Spread by biting midges, the outbreak is waning as fewer cases occur weekly and is expected to stop before the year’s end. However, it’s set to resurge in spring. Symptoms include swelling in the animal’s head, mouth sores, lameness, and a characteristic blue tongue in sheep. A vaccine has been distributed, with 150,000 doses already given to mitigate symptoms and prevent fatalities. Human health is not at risk from bluetongue, but it poses significant animal welfare issues. Climate change, with warmer temperatures, is suspected to aid the spread of the virus and make the disease a recurrent challenge.