Credit: ALVA
On Wednesday 2 October 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 1,061 animals (910 cattle, 141 sheep, eight goats and two alpacas) have tested positive for bluetongue in the State Veterinary Laboratory (LMVE). Bluetongue has been detected in a total of 432 farms through laboratory tests (also since 1 August).
Between 25 September and 2 October 2024, 66 animals tested positive for bluetongue and the viral disease was detected in sixteen other farms through laboratory tests.
Compared to calendar week 38 (16-22 September), mortality in sheep continued to decline in calendar week 39 (23-29 September), while it remained at a similar level for cattle.
Of the 240,000 available vaccine doses, 95,250 doses have so far been 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.
