– Germany has seen a significant increase in cases of bluetongue virus affecting sheep and cattle
– The country has registered 1,885 outbreaks of the virus since the start of 2024, compared to just 23 outbreaks in all of 2023
– Bluetongue is a non-contagious, insect-borne viral disease that affects ruminants such as cows and sheep
– Support for farmers in tackling the disease through vaccinations is patchy in Germany
– Cases of the virus have also appeared in other countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, and France
– The government in Germany has issued an emergency order to temporarily authorise three BTV-3 vaccines
– The disease is particularly deadly for sheep and can also cause a significant drop in milk production in cows