Vaccination against blue -tongue disease: Protect your animals now!

Vaccination against blue -tongue disease: Protect your animals now!

In 2025, the risk from the Blazzungs disease (BTV) for animal owners in Germany is still a central topic. Owner of sheep, cattle, goats and other ruminants as well as camelids are urgently asked to have their animals vaccinated against the disease in good time before the pasture season. According to the district of Gießen the infections in Germany have spread and more than 13,000 cases of the serotype BTV-3 have been documented.

BTV is not dangerous for humans, but the disease causes considerable animal suffering and economic damage. Infected animals can die or suffer from serious illnesses, while the descendants are often not able to survive. The disease not only has an impact on the general health of the animals, but can also significantly reduce milk production in affected herds.

vaccination and combating the disease

The vaccination against BTV-3 represents the only effective protection. This is primarily transferred by blood-sucking mosquitoes, also called Gnitzen. Infected animals cannot infect each other; Therefore, protection through vaccination is so important. The Agrarheute refers to the need to start the animals early in order to optimally protect the animals. Animals that are not yet immunized need two vaccinations at a distance of several weeks.

A particularly high priority for herds that were vaccinated against BTV-3 in the previous year or in which infections were found. However, previous vaccinations against other types of pathogens do not offer protection. The reference prices for vaccinations are also regulated: 2 euros per vaccine dose for sheep and goats as well as 3 euros for cattle, of which grants from the animal disease fund are available.

In order to further increase the effectiveness of the vaccinations, the Bundesierärztammer e. V. (BTK) and the Federal Association for Animal Health e.V. (BFT) to ministries and authorities, clear vaccination requests or an obligation to vaccinate against BTV-3. This is regarded as a necessary step to enable the disease to combat the disease and to promote research according to suitable vaccines, such as the Bundesierungskamm emphasized.

regional focus and international situation

The spread of BTV-3 is also a serious threat in other European countries. Affected regions include Sweden, Norway, Great Britain, Belgium, France and other countries. In Germany, the focus of the infections is found, especially in West Germany, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. The Agrarheute reports that other serotypes from BTV also circulate in Europe, such as BTV-8, BTV-4.

The spread of BTV and the associated economic consequences are a significant challenge for animal husbandry. A planable and strategic approach to combat animal diseases in Germany and Europe is therefore considered to be expedient. Such an approach could not only secure animal health, but also harmless food production in the long term.