The number of bluetongue cases in the Netherlands is increasing more rapidly than at the end of 2023. Nieuweoogst reported on August 5 on the assessment of the Dutch Sheep and Goat Organisation (NSFO).
“Several companies were already close to 100% last week. The reason may be a large number of mosquitoes or a high mosquito infestation.”said veterinarian and NSFO CEO Reynard Everts.
Everts noted that last year, in some farms, infestation reached 100% only at the end of the season. In 2024, the same level will be reached within a few weeks. According to the veterinarian, this puts a strain on livestock farmers: “If you only have sick animals, you have a lot to do.”.
“The percentage of animals that recover is very low. Animals may be seriously ill for more than two days, or even very seriously ill for at least seven days. There is variation between farms. The average mortality rate is about 10%.”Everts explains.
The veterinarian expects all animals on the affected farms to recover from the disease within two months. “It’s good that you have been vaccinated. Given how quickly the bluetongue virus spreads, without vaccination the number of seriously ill and dead animals would be much higher.”“, explained the veterinarian.
The fertility of rams that have recovered from the disease decreases. “Fever destroys sperm. It takes six to eight weeks before the ram starts producing good sperm again. This can have a serious impact on the breeding season. For many sheep breeders, the season starts in September.”says Evert.
On August 5, there were 1,722 infected farms. On Thursday, August 1, 1,408 herds were infected. A week earlier, on July 25, there were 791.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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