2023-10-29 08:02:32
Bluetongue Virus Spreading Rapidly in Drenthe, Sheep Farmers Fear Devastation
The bluetongue virus has been rapidly spreading across the province of Drenthe, causing concern among sheep, cattle, and goat farmers. The first infections were reported in October at Drenthe livestock farms, but since then, the viral disease has spread like wildfire.
Veterinarian Bernd Hietberg, from Het Drentse Hart Veterinary Practice in Beilen, and Lambert Pijl, owner of one of the largest sheep farms in Hijken, have sounded the alarm about the severity of the situation. During an interview with Radio Drenthe’s Cassata program, they both emphasized the urgent need for action.
Pijl predicts a dire future for sheep farmers if the virus continues to spread unchecked. “If we do nothing and the virus comes back next year, I predict that fifty, or perhaps sixty percent of the sheep will disappear from Drenthe,” he said. This alarming statement reflects the gravity of the situation and the potential devastation it could bring to the livestock industry in the region.
Hietberg echoes Pijl’s concerns and highlights the rapid pace at which the virus is spreading. “It’s going very, very fast. In Drenthe, it has been going well for about ten to fifteen days now. Meanwhile, the collection service is hardly picking it up anymore,” he explained. The veterinarian has witnessed animals succumbing en masse to the disease, with new infections being reported daily.
The bluetongue virus is transmitted by tiny mosquitoes called ‘midges.’ These insects create a real battlefield for farmers, as they transmit the virus from one animal to another. So far, at least 2,500 livestock farms in the Netherlands have been affected by the virus, with symptoms in infected animals including high fever, swelling, stiffness, and eventually a blue tongue.
The urgency to address this issue is clear. The livelihoods of many farmers are at stake, and the potential loss of a significant portion of the sheep population in Drenthe is a harsh reality they face. The government and relevant authorities must take immediate action to contain the spread of the bluetongue virus and provide support to affected farmers.
As farmers continue to grapple with the devastating effects of the bluetongue virus, the focus now needs to be on finding effective prevention and control measures. It is crucial to invest in research and measures to protect livestock and prevent future outbreaks. Failure to do so could have long-lasting consequences for the agricultural sector in the region and the livelihoods of farmers who have dedicated their lives to raising livestock.]
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