Credit: ALVA
On Wednesday 11 September 2024, the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture provided an update on the spread of bluetongue (BTV serotype 3) in Luxembourg.
Since 1 August 2024, a total of 785 animals (638 cattle, 138 sheep and eight goats) have tested positive for bluetongue in the State Veterinary Laboratory (LMVE). Bluetongue has been detected in a total of 313 farms through laboratory tests (also since 1 August). The total number of animals infected with BTV3 is currently unknown, as not all animals in a herd are tested.
Since 1 August, bluetongue has been detected in a total of 360 farms through laboratory tests.
Between 5 and 11 August, 110 animals tested positive for bluetongue and the viral disease was detected in 47 other farms through laboratory tests.
Compared to the same period in 2023 (1 August to 6 September), ALVA found an increased mortality rate in cattle, but particularly in sheep and goats, in 2024.
Since the start of the vaccination campaign on 9 August 2024, 240,000 doses of vaccine have been delivered and 87,450 doses distributed to veterinarians.
ALVA recalled that livestock owners who notice an increased mortality rate in their herd should report this via the form available on the website of the Agriculture Ministry.
