Bluetongue virus spreads across Europe
The past weeks have seen further cases of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV-3) spread across Europe. The Netherlands have reported over 5,000 cases, whilst Germany has reported over 4,500 detections since the start of 2024. Belgium has reported over 1200 cases. The first cases have also been reported in Luxembourg with 339 animals testing positive across 180 farms. In France, 190 outbreaks had been recorded in the following regions: Aisne, Ardennes, Haute Marne, Marne, Meurthe et Moselle, Meuse, Moselle, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais.
Vaccination, authorised via an emergency procedure, is permitted in each of the impacted countries. In France, the Government has rolled out a free, voluntary vaccination scheme with 6.4 million doses available (1.1 million single doses for sheep and 5.3 million doses for cattle who receive two injections). 2.5 million doses have been delivered to vets already and the vaccination campaign officially runs until the end of December. Industry is already calling for more vaccines to be ordered.
Avian influenza in France, Germany and Portugal
A mixed poultry farm has been infected with HPAI(H5) in Brittany, Northwest France. 190 birds from the 1,900 strong flock died, and the rest of the flock have been culled in what is the first outbreak in France since January this year. The French authorities consider that the likely source of infection was wild birds. The French authorities have been undertaking a vaccination campaign for ducks since October 2023. As of 1 August, 47.9 million birds have received a first dose of the vaccine.
H5N1 HPAI has also been detected in the Mecklenburg-West Pomerania region of Germany. Two commercial farms comprising of ducks, geese and chickens were infected. H5N1 has also been detected in a non-commercial flock in Viano do Castello, Portugal. 60 of the 100 laying hens died, with the remaining 40 birds culled.
