On Tuesday 29 October 2024, Luxembourg’s Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) issued an update regarding the current situation of Bluetongue Disease (BTV serotype 3) in the country.
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, bluetongue is an infectious, non-contagious, vector-borne viral disease that affects wild and domestic animals such as sheep, goats and cattle and can be fatal. There is no public health risk associated with bluetongue, as the virus is not transmitted through contact with animals or wool, or through consumption of milk.
Since 1 August 2024, a total of 1,380 animals (1,228 cattle, 142 sheep, 8 goats, 2 alpacas) in Luxembourg have tested positive for bluetongue in the State Veterinary Laboratory (LMVE).
Since 1 August, bluetongue has been detected by laboratory tests in a total of 488 farms.
In the period from 23-30 October, 50 animals tested positive, and the disease was confirmed by laboratory tests in 14 other farms.
Mortality in cattle and sheep in calendar week 43 (21-27 October) was at the same level as the previous year.
Of the total of 240,000 available vaccine doses, 96,950 doses were distributed to veterinarians.
Animal owners who notice increased mortality in their herd should report this to ALVA via https://agriculture.public.lu/de/formulare/tiere/nutztiere/meldung-mortalitaet-blauzungenkrankheit.html
