Cows in Luxembourg, July 2023;
Credit: Jazmin Campbell
On Wednesday 23 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 1,313 animals (1,161 cattle, 142 sheep, eight goats and two alpacas) have tested positive for bluetongue at the State Veterinary Laboratory (LMVE). Bluetongue has been detected in a total of 474 farms through laboratory tests since this date.
Between 17 and 23 October 2024, 86 animals tested positive for bluetongue and the viral disease was detected in eighteen other farms through laboratory tests.
In calendar week 42 (14 to 20 October), mortality among cattle was only slightly (16%) higher than the previous year. In sheep, it was practically identical to the mortality recorded in the previous year.
Of 240,000 available vaccine doses, no further doses were distributed to veterinarians during the period in question; as of 16 October, 96,500 doses had been distributed.
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.
