2024-04-17 09:20:17
Royal GD is starting an extensive investigation into the spread of bluetongue to gain more insight into the spread of the virus in the Netherlands at regional and company level. The research was commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and several sector parties.
The aim of the research is to determine what percentage of cattle and sheep have antibodies. So far it is only known that the share of antibodies is probably low, but there are no exact figures.
Blood tests for submitted samples
For research in sheep, blood tests are carried out on samples that have already been submitted for swine fever research and monitoring for Brucella melitensis. The Netherlands is divided into twenty regions for this study and the GD is looking for 25 sheep farmers in each region who want to participate. The sheep farmers are personally informed and given the choice of receiving the results from their own company.
For research into cattle on dairy farms, an estimate is made of the percentage of dairy cows with antibodies against BTV-3 based on bulk milk samples from all farms in the Netherlands. The GD also uses existing samples here. All data for the research is processed anonymously. Dairy farmers are informed and given the choice of receiving the results from their own company.
Questionnaire about measures
In addition to the tank milk and blood tests, there will be a questionnaire about the measures that livestock farmers took against bluetongue last year. All dairy farmers and selected sheep farmers will receive a personal message with a link to the questionnaire. All data for the research is processed anonymously.
Measures against bluetongue
With the results, the GD wants to provide an estimate of the percentage of farms and the percentage of dairy cows and sheep with antibodies against BTV-3 in their own region. In addition, this research will hopefully provide more information about possible protective measures and their effect. Bron: GD.
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