Bluetongue disease
Animal disease spreads in Switzerland – and has reached Aargau
Since the end of August 2024, cases of bluetongue disease have been reported in several cantons in Switzerland. Now the animal disease has also been detected in Aargau. There is no danger to humans.
In four livestock farms in Aargau, bluetongue disease has been confirmed. Affected are a cattle farm and three sheep farms in the municipalities of Magden, Schupfart, Eiken, and Kaisten, as reported by the Department of Health and Social Affairs of the canton upon request. Five sheep have already died. The affected farms have been quarantined by the cantonal veterinary service to prevent animal movement. The disease is spread by the bite of midges (small mosquitoes).
Bluetongue disease is particularly life-threatening for sheep.
Transmission from animal to animal is not possible, but if an infected animal is bitten, the midge can infect other animals. Bluetongue disease is harmless to humans. Meat and dairy products from affected animals can be consumed without concern, writes the Department of Health and Social Affairs.
The disease only affects ruminants and causes severe symptoms, especially in sheep, such as fever, skin defects, and respiratory distress. The mortality rate can be very high among sheep. Cattle are also affected by the disease; however, the course is usually milder. Currently, there are no therapies available, so treatment is limited to alleviating the symptoms.
Vaccines not approved in Switzerland
According to the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs, there are currently three vaccines against subtype 3 of the bluetongue virus (BTV-3). This subtype has also been detected in Aargau. All of these vaccines are not approved in Switzerland. Should one of the vaccine manufacturers apply for approval in Switzerland, it will be prioritized and expedited by Swissmedic. The vaccines only reduce the clinical symptoms but do not prevent infection and spread of the virus.
To protect animals from infestation, especially protection from midges is recommended. Since they are active during dusk and night, sheep and cattle should be kept in a barn during these times. Additionally, the use of insect repellents, insecticides, and fine-meshed mosquito nets is advised. Any potential breeding sites for midges should be removed whenever possible. Midge eggs are usually found in wet and damp environments such as manure piles and puddles.
The disease was last detected in Switzerland in 2020. Since the end of August 2024, the disease has been on the rise again. Aargau is now the tenth canton currently affected by bluetongue disease. (mek)