BOLZANO. The epidemic has not yet manifested itself in Alto Adige, but it is necessary to raise the level of preventive surveillance. Given the cases of “catarrhal fever” in Vorarlberg and Styria, the appeal of the Provincial Veterinary Service: ruminants currently in Austria must be urgently transferred downstream.
Bluetongue disease (CBT) among ruminants is spreading exponentially and has now reached Austria, which until yesterday was free of the disease. Cases have been reported in Styria and Vorarlberg and two different serotypes of the virus have been identified.
Every year, more than 5,000 animals are taken by their South Tyrolean owners to pastures in Austria, usually in neighboring Tyrol, which is far from the herds affected by the epidemic. In the interest of prevention, the Provincial Veterinary Service calls for all cattle, sheep and goats that are still grazing on Austrian soil to be moved down the valley immediately. These animals should be kept separate from the rest of the animals in their home stables or on home pastures for at least seven days and treated with insect repellent. Farmers are required to monitor their animals during this period and to inform the veterinarian immediately if they have the slightest suspicion.
In animals, the disease initially manifests itself after an incubation period of at least a week with high fever. Subsequent symptoms depend on the type of bluetongue virus. Typical symptoms include swelling of the head and extremities, frothy salivation, serous to purulent nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. A bluish discoloration (cyanosis) in the mouth area and on the tongue is possible. This is where the name bluetongue disease comes from.
In sheep the disease is usually fatal, while in cattle and goats the infection usually has a milder course. “I would like to point out that bluetongue in sheep does not represent a danger to humans. There is no reason to panic, but it is necessary to be cautious regarding the health of the animals,” he says. Luis Walcherprovincial councilor for Agriculture, who is closely monitoring the situation together with the provincial veterinary service.
For livestock farms in South Tyrol, the recommendations already communicated yesterday continue to be valid (read the USP press release): avoid importing animals from infected areas and keep ruminants away from livestock gatherings in infected areas.
The Autonomous Province of Trento has not yet issued any directives or alerts.
(photo Ansa theme)
2024-09-14 03:50:33