– Germany has seen a significant increase in cases of bluetongue virus this year, with 1,885 outbreaks of BTV-3 compared to just 23 in 2023.
– The virus affects ruminants such as cows and sheep but not pigs or horses, causing high fevers, mouth ulcers, and swollen heads.
– Support for farmers in tackling the disease through vaccinations is patchy in Germany as responsibility falls to local authorities.
– Outbreaks of BTV-3 have been concentrated in the west and centre of Germany, with cases also appearing in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.
– The government has issued an emergency order to temporarily authorise three BTV-3 vaccines.