2023-10-13 16:59:04
Bluetongue Outbreak Sparks Concern among Sheep Farmers in Zaan Region
Sheep farmers in the Zaan region of the Netherlands are living in fear as the bluetongue virus spreads rapidly, posing a serious risk to livestock. The number of locations where the virus has been detected in the region has more than quadrupled in just one week, leaving farmers and even petting zoos worried about the impact.
The De Bonte Belevenis petting zoo in Assendelft is among the establishments concerned about the outbreak. Marieke Demmers, a representative from the zoo, expressed her worries, stating, “It is a worrying situation.” The zoo has taken measures to protect their animals by quarantining them and using mosquito plugs to repel the disease-carrying midges.
Meanwhile, the De Veldmuis petting zoo in Zaandam has not been spared from the virus either. Out of their six sheep, five have already been diagnosed with bluetongue. Volunteer Ed Sikkema expressed his distress, saying, “They receive a daily injection against the pain, and we cannot yet say whether they will make it or not. It is very difficult to predict how it will progress.”
Bluetongue, which is transmitted by midges, a type of small mosquito, causes severe illness in sheep and other ruminants, often leading to death or euthanasia due to complications. One of the telling signs of the disease is extreme weakness, making it difficult for the animals to eat. Sikkema mentioned that they have resorted to hand-feeding one or two of the sheep at the zoo due to their extreme weakness.
Assendelft appears to be the hardest-hit area in the Zaan region, with 24 confirmed cases of bluetongue. Even though the sheep at De Bonte Belevenis have not been infected yet, Demmers is greatly concerned due to their location on a watery and open dike, which allows the midges to move around freely. She added, “There are also every now and then dead sheep on the dike to be picked up.”
The Darwin Park in Zaandam, which includes a farm, has already experienced the devastating consequences of the bluetongue outbreak. Three sheep have died, and two others had to be euthanized to prevent further suffering. Paul Laport, the director of the Zaans Nature and Environment Center, expressed his distress, calling it a “disaster.”
Despite the challenges, there is some hope. Sheep that have been infected but are now recovering are gradually being allowed to go outside again, much to the delight of visitors. An employee at the farm acknowledged the visitors’ understanding and sympathy. At De Veldmuis, where sick sheep are also being treated, signs have been placed to remind visitors to keep a safe distance to avoid stressing the animals further.
As the bluetongue outbreak continues to threaten the region’s livestock, the farmers and petting zoos are working diligently to mitigate the impact. With the support and understanding of the community, they hope to overcome this challenging situation and ensure the well-being of the animals in their care.]
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