Tracking the next pandemic: Avian Flu Talk |
Bluetongue problem in NL |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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[url]https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/hundreds-dutch-farms-grappling-with-bluetongue-virus-government-says-2023-09-29/[/url] or https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/hundreds-dutch-farms-grappling-with-bluetongue-virus-government-says-2023-09-29/ ; Hundreds of Dutch farms grappling with bluetongue virus, government saysReuters AMSTERDAM, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Hundreds of farms in the Netherlands are grappling with an outbreak of the bluetongue virus in a setback for the country's farming industry, the Dutch government said on Friday. Up to 600 Dutch farms might already be contaminated, Agriculture Minister Piet Adema told Dutch news agency ANP, after the first four cases of the highly infectious animal disease since 2009 were reported this month. Bluetongue causes fever and mouth ulcers and in some cases turns an animal’s tongue blue. It is transmitted by insects such as midges and can be highly dangerous to sheep and cows, although it does not affect humans. DJ The most recent number is close to 800 farms did see this disease. [url]https://www.dutchnews.nl/2023/09/bluetongue-found-on-dutch-sheep-farms-for-first-time-since-2009/[/url] or https://www.dutchnews.nl/2023/09/bluetongue-found-on-dutch-sheep-farms-for-first-time-since-2009/ and [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetongue_disease[/url] or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetongue_disease ; Bluetongue disease is a noncontagious, insect-borne, viral disease of ruminants, mainly sheep and less frequently cattle,[1] yaks,[2] goats, buffalo, deer, dromedaries, and antelope. It is caused by Bluetongue virus (BTV). The virus is transmitted by the midges Culicoides imicola, Culicoides variipennis, and other culicoids. - In sheep, BTV causes an acute disease with high morbidity and mortality. BTV also infects goats, cattle, and other domestic animals, as well as wild ruminants (for example, blesbuck, white-tailed deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope).[3] Major signs are high fever, excessive salivation, swelling of the face and tongue, and cyanosis of the tongue. Swelling of the lips and tongue gives the tongue its typical blue appearance, though this sign is confined to a minority of the animals. Nasal signs may be prominent, with nasal discharge and stertorous respiration. Some animals also develop foot lesions, beginning with coronitis, with consequent lameness. In sheep, this can lead to knee-walking. In cattle, constant changing of position of the feet gives bluetongue the nickname the dancing disease.[4] Torsion of the neck (opisthotonos or torticollis) is observed in severely affected animals. Not all animals develop signs, but all those that do lose condition rapidly, and the sickest die within a week. For affected animals that do not die, recovery is very slow, lasting several months. The incubation period is 5–20 days, and all signs usually develop within a month. The mortality rate is normally low, but it is high in susceptible breeds of sheep. In Africa, local breeds of sheep may have no mortality, but in imported breeds, it may be up to 90%.[5] In cattle, goats, and wild ruminants, infection is usually asymptomatic despite high virus levels in blood. Red deer are an exception, and in them the disease may be as acute as in sheep.[6] - African horse sickness is related to bluetongue and is spread by the same midges (Culicoides species). It can kill the horses it infects and mortality may go as high as 90% of the infected horses during an epidemic.[33] Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus is closely related and crossreacts with Bluetongue virus on many blood tests. DJ...[url]https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/stille-ramp-bij-de-schapenboer-schapen-sterven-massaal-aan-blauwtong-bij-gebrek-aan-vaccin~a6606090/[/url] or https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/stille-ramp-bij-de-schapenboer-schapen-sterven-massaal-aan-blauwtong-bij-gebrek-aan-vaccin~a6606090/ (in Dutch) so far most sheep farms did see lots of infections and sheep dying... Non-expert view; DJ-some other (wild) animals may run risks...Above normal high temperatures are part of the problem. [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetongue_disease#Overwintering[/url] or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetongue_disease#Overwintering colder weather however may NOT solve all of the problem... [url]https://www.wur.nl/en/search-results.htm?keyword=blauwtong#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=blauwtong&gsc.page=1[/url] or https://www.wur.nl/en/search-results.htm?keyword=blauwtong#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=blauwtong&gsc.page=1 (Wageningen (agriculture) University ) trying to follow cases. Also [url]https://www.nvwa.nl/onderwerpen/blauwtong[/url] or https://www.nvwa.nl/onderwerpen/blauwtong may have more info. As far as I know spread now (mainly) in limited parts of NL. |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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DJ [url]https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q-koortsepidemie_in_Nederland[/url] or https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q-koortsepidemie_in_Nederland (Dutch) see also [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_fever#Signs_and_symptoms[/url] or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_fever#Signs_and_symptoms ; The incubation period is usually two to three weeks.[6] The most common manifestation is flu-like symptoms: abrupt onset of fever, malaise, profuse perspiration, severe headache, muscle pain, joint pain, loss of appetite, upper respiratory problems, dry cough, pleuritic pain, chills, confusion, and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. About half of infected individuals exhibit no symptoms.[6] During its course, the disease can progress to an atypical pneumonia, which can result in a life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome, usually occurring during the first four to five days of infection.[7] Less often, Q fever causes (granulomatous) hepatitis, which may be asymptomatic or become symptomatic with malaise, fever, liver enlargement, and pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. This hepatitis often results in the elevation of transaminase values, although jaundice is uncommon. Q fever can also rarely result in Retinal vasculitis.[8] The chronic form of Q fever is virtually identical to endocarditis (i.e. inflammation of the inner lining of the heart),[9] which can occur months or decades following the infection. It is usually fatal if untreated. However, with appropriate treatment, the mortality falls to around 10%.[citation needed] A minority of Q fever survivors develops Q fever fatigue syndrome after acute infection, one of the more well-studied post-acute infection syndromes. Q fever fatigue syndrome is characterised by post-exertional malaise and debilitating fatigue. People with Q fever fatigue syndrome frequently meet the diagnostic criteria for myalgic encephelomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Symptom often persist years after the initial infection.[10] DJ In 2007 possibly 50.000-100,000 people in NL may have been infected with Q-fever. At least 95 persons died. [url]https://www.q-support.nu/[/url] or https://www.q-support.nu/ is trying to study long term disease after Q-fever infection and offer support. NL is the second largest agri-culture exporter in the world after the US. NL food export is at #5...There is discussion on bio-hazards of having that many animals in NL. |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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[url]https://www.dutchnews.nl/2023/10/bluetongue-cases-rising-not-much-to-be-done-says-minister/[/url] or https://www.dutchnews.nl/2023/10/bluetongue-cases-rising-not-much-to-be-done-says-minister/ ; The number of farms affected by the infectious cattle disease bluetongue has risen to 1,000, product safety board NVWA has said. It is the first time in 14 years farmers have been faced with an outbreak of the virus, which affects mostly sheep but can also appear in goats and cows and is transmitted by biting midges. Symptoms of the disease include high fever, lameness, swelling of the lips and red to purplye mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue. In many cases the animals don’t survive. The virus is not dangerous to people. The rapid spread is worrying, the NVWA said. Last month just four farms in Utrecht and Noord-Holland reported an outbreak. Last week 319 locations were added to the list and since then the number of affected farms has jumped to 1,000 and counting. Most of the farms are located in the central and northwest provinces but a farm on the Wadden Island of Texel where sheep farming is an important pillar of the local economy has now also reported the virus. The island has around 15,000 sheep, almost as many as it has people. “We are living in fear,” sheep farmer Koos Tjepkema told local media. The warmer weather is keeping midges active for longer so farmers are advised to keep sheep inside and to use insect repellent but, caretaker agriculture minister Piet Adema has said in a briefing to MPs, there is little that can be done to stop the spread and that sheep stocks will be reduced. The virus is of serotype 3, which is primarily known in South Africa. “We have no idea how it came here, perhaps via an infected animals or midges in a plane of car. We’ll probably never know,”Melle Holwerda of the Wageningen lab for vector transmittable and viral animal disease told the NRC. Researchers are currently testing the safety of a new South African vaccine against the disease but more must be done, Holwerda said. Pharmaceutical companies should put resources into finding a vaccine but, he said, that could take at least a year. DJ See also [url]https://www.gelderlander.nl/arnhem/nvwa-gevreesde-schapenziekte-nu-ook-vastgesteld-in-arnhem~a0413ba6/[/url] or https://www.gelderlander.nl/arnhem/nvwa-gevreesde-schapenziekte-nu-ook-vastgesteld-in-arnhem~a0413ba6/ with map. The disease may be spreading towards Germany. We may have very warm weather for another two weeks here in NL with temperatures-at least coming week- in many parts around 20C.... |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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[url]https://www.dutchnews.nl/2023/10/bluetongue-cases-rise-dramatically-on-livestock-farms/[/url] or https://www.dutchnews.nl/2023/10/bluetongue-cases-rise-dramatically-on-livestock-farms/ ; The number of livestock farms with suspected cases of bluetongue has doubled since the beginning of the month to 2,250 cases, according to the Dutch product safety authority NVWA. The infection has been confirmed at almost 1,500 farms, and it’s thought that 770 more may be affected. Only Limburg and Zeeland provinces have yet to report an infection. - Bluetongue mainly affects sheep, but cattle, goats, deer, alpacas and llamas can also get it. It’s not considered dangerous to humans or pets. The Netherlands will now lose its EU disease-free status, meaning sheep will have to be vaccinated before they can be exported, caretaker agriculture minister Piet Adema said in a briefing to MPs. The country will have to be clear of bluetongue for three years before it can be declared disease free again. Bluetongue is spread by midges, not by direct contact between animals, and farmers have been told to use insect repellents to stop the disease from spreading. Contrary to bird flu, foot and mouth disease or mad cow disease, no animals will have to be culled as a result of bluetongue, which is characterised by high fever, a rounded back and lame walk, swelling of the lips and red to purply mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue. DJ [url]https://www.gelderlander.nl/arnhem/blauwtong-verspreidt-zich-snel-in-arnhem-deze-week-drie-nieuwe-gevallen~a3badd91/[/url] or https://www.gelderlander.nl/arnhem/blauwtong-verspreidt-zich-snel-in-arnhem-deze-week-drie-nieuwe-gevallen~a3badd91/ with map of NL cases...slow move towards German border. |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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[url]https://nltimes.nl/2023/10/25/china-stops-buying-dutch-lamb-beef-bluetongue-concerns[/url] or https://nltimes.nl/2023/10/25/china-stops-buying-dutch-lamb-beef-bluetongue-concerns ; China has banned the import of beef and lamb from the Netherlands due to the spread of the bluetongue disease. The official prohibition applies to all ruminant animals and products derived from them. The Asian country has also banned the import of beef and lamb products from Belgium. Bluetongue is a very fast-spreading virus. The virus hits sheep the hardest, usually killing them. But goats and cattle can also become very ill. Midges, tiny flies, transmit the virus. Symptoms of the virus include a blue tongue, high fever, drool, and lameness. In the Netherlands, bluetongue infections have been identified in at least 2,500 livestock farms, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) reported. For the Dutch agricultural sector, China is a rapidly growing market, yet it is not among the most significant markets for Dutch farmers. In 2021, China imported nearly 4 billion euros worth of agricultural products from the Netherlands, a significant increase from 300 million euros seven years ago. According to a report by Wageningen University last year, this meant that China accounted for 3.5 percent of all Dutch agricultural export products. The immediate impact of the Chinese ban on Dutch farmers due to the bluetongue disease is unclear. In 2021, the primary agricultural products China purchased from the Netherlands were baby milk powder, pork, and meat industry by-products such as liver, tongue, and intestines. DJ [url]https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/verspreiding-virus-versnelt-meer-dan-2000-positieve-testen-op-blauwtong-in-totaal-3200-bedrijven-met-symptomen~af1252ea/[/url] or https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/verspreiding-virus-versnelt-meer-dan-2000-positieve-testen-op-blauwtong-in-totaal-3200-bedrijven-met-symptomen~af1252ea/ Blue Tongue virus keeps spreading...most of new cases now in the north-east of NL. Colder weather is believed to decrease spread...but maybe it is not cold enough yet ? |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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[url]https://www.gld.nl/nieuws/8035325/grote-zorgen-bij-koeienboeren-om-blauwtong-klap-voor-de-sector[/url] or https://www.gld.nl/nieuws/8035325/grote-zorgen-bij-koeienboeren-om-blauwtong-klap-voor-de-sector ; BARNEVELD - The bluetongue virus is spreading in Gelderland, especially in the municipalities of Barneveld, Ede and Nijkerk. Remarkably, this does not only concern sheep farms, but also cattle farms. And that sector is feeling the effects of the virus. "Trade is partly at a standstill, there is great uncertainty." A month ago, the three municipalities mentioned together still had eight infected farms. The counter has now risen to 205. Cattle farms are also affected a lot. "Cattle also get it," says Wouter Pluim from Otterlo on behalf of Veehandel Pluim. He specialises in the cattle trade. "Cows generally don't die from it, but they can get sick. Then they also get better, but you still notice it in exports. The Netherlands is now a bluetongue country. And that prevents other countries from importing the cattle from here." Blow to the sectorPluim paints a bad scenario for trade. "If the calves stay here, they will be slaughtered here more in the long run. Then there is simply too much meat and the prices in the supermarket drop. Cattle farms are going to feel this hard. It's a blow to the sector." This applies not only to veal calves, but also to dairy cattle. "Dairy cattle don't just die from the virus, but the animals get seriously ill," Wim Brouwer agrees. He is chairman of LTO Noord Gelderse Vallei, but also a cattle farmer in Barneveld. "Sick cows produce less milk. And then a quarter of the normal milk production is quickly lost. Dairy farmers feel that a lot." 'Cattle also die'It is an image that is also known to Helma Lodders. She is chairman of Vee&Logistiek Nederland, which represents the interests of livestock traders, importers and exporters. "Bluetongue is currently a major national crisis," she explains. "And cattle also die from the virus. With dramatic consequences for both the farmer and the trader. Many calves that are now born to dairy farmers do not cross the border. They're here to stay." "Exports are falling, which is a huge loss for dairy farms and traders. This also applies to pregnant young heifers (young cows, ed.). These are normally exported a lot from the Netherlands to help livestock farmers in countries within and outside Europe to start up and be self-sufficient. Exports have also come to a standstill. The price in the trade is already lower. There is too much supply, so the price is already going down." This virus is already developing much more violently than the variant from 2006 and 2008 The consequences for the economy could be significant. How big is still unclear, according to Lodders: "It's difficult to put a number on it, because we've only been on the road for seven weeks." In the short term, she says, the price of beef will not plummet. "I don't have those signals from the butchers yet. A lot of cattle for slaughter still cross the border, for example to Germany." "But the market is fickle. We don't know how the virus spreads. This virus is already developing much more violently than the variant from 2006 and 2008. Many more animals are dying now. There is a lot of uncertainty in the sector." Wim Brouwer also confirms that the economy around live exports is now 'somewhat at a standstill'. The exact consequences are still unclear. Difficult times are already ahead for sheep farmers. "They now have to sign the contracts about where they let their animals graze," explains Brouwer. "But they have no idea how many animals they are still losing to bluetongue. It is also not clear what the consequences are for the lambs in the spring. The same applies to the cattle calves. These are uncertain times." Emotional for farmerNiels Wassenaar is on the board of the LTO Gelderse Vallei and he is also worried. "There are an awful lot of dead sheep in our region and it is also prevalent on dairy farms," he emphasizes. "But cattle can get better. Some animals are not very sick. They have already been helped with some light pain relief and they continue to eat. In other cattle it is violent. Those animals need antibiotics." For a farmer, it is terrible to see his animals suffer Wassenaar also had to deal with bluetongue on his dairy farm. "Nothing is worse than having to watch some of the cattle suffer. Fortunately, it was a light form for me. The animals did get through. For other farmers, the impact was really big. Also emotionally. For a farmer, it is terrible to see his animals suffer. And then when animals die and you have to put them on the road," he outlines. "Then that's terrible. You're not a farmer for that." Wassenaar says that the medicines and treatment of cattle also have consequences for trade and possible slaughter. A cow that had bluetongue may still be consumed. But then the animal must be fever-free before slaughter. If pain relief has been used, there is a waiting period before the animal can be slaughtered." Knut little fingersThe cause of bluetongue lies in the midge, a small mosquito that spreads the virus. "In wetlands, many heifers (young cattle, ed.) graze in wetlands. outside," says Wouter Pluim. "That's how the virus ended up in cattle. The animals in the barn are less bothered by the midge." "Let's hope for a cold winter," adds Helma Lodders. "The midge is then less active. And, of course, a vaccine needs to be available quickly." Both gentlemen of the LTO agree with the latter. DJ, article ends with a map of cases in NL. Increase of cases now most in the north of NL...NO cases -so far-reported in Germany...but it does affect NL agri-culture export and food production. |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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link [url]https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-virus-detected-in-a-single-cow-in-kent[/url] or https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-virus-detected-in-a-single-cow-in-kent The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant for bluetongue virus after the disease was found in a single cow in Kent. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Pirbright Institute identified the disease in the cow through Great Britain’s annual bluetongue surveillance programme. Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety. The virus is transmitted by midge bites and affects cows, goats, sheep and other camelids such as llamas. The midges are most active between April and November and not all susceptible animals show immediate, or any, signs of contracting the virus. The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – some show no symptoms or effects at all while for others it can cause productivity issues such as reduced milk yield, while in the most severe cases can be fatal for infected animals. Action is being taken to ensure the risk of spread of the disease is reduced, with movement restrictions at the affected premises. The cow was culled to reduce the risk of onward disease transmission. A 10km temporary control zone around the affected farm has been put in place, which will restrict movements of susceptible animals except under license, and additional surveillance will be undertaken . DJ, Kent has ferry-links with NL...but maybe even the midget itself (via strong wind) got blown over the North Sea ? I did expect spread into Germany...did not yet see any reports of BTV/Blue Tongue Virus from Germany or Belgium/France yet... [url]https://www.wur.nl/nl/onderzoek-resultaten/onderzoeksinstituten/bioveterinary-research/show-bvr/blauwtong-bij-herkauwers-updates-2023.htm[/url] or https://www.wur.nl/nl/onderzoek-resultaten/onderzoeksinstituten/bioveterinary-research/show-bvr/blauwtong-bij-herkauwers-updates-2023.htm and [url]https://www.levendehave.nl/nieuws/update-uitbraak-blauwtong-nederland[/url] or https://www.levendehave.nl/nieuws/update-uitbraak-blauwtong-nederland Latest-november 11- update; Over 5000 NL farms did see cases of BTV...colder weather is supposed to bring a decrease... However the small insect may be able to stay/spread indoors....It will be -just like "birdflu" a LONG TERM problem ! One step to reduce risks is reduce animals....In part that is already taking place here in NL. Lots of animals are to ill to get a younger generation...also export of meat is under pressure... H5N1 and other flu-types are decreasing poultry and eggs...dairy and meat may now also be affected by BTV... [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetongue_disease#Related_diseases[/url] or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetongue_disease#Related_diseases ; African horse sickness is related to bluetongue and is spread by the same midges (Culicoides species). It can kill the horses it infects and mortality may go as high as 90% of the infected horses during an epidemic.[37] Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus is closely related and crossreacts with Bluetongue virus on many blood tests. So it can spread into more species... |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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- [url]https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/diseases/epizootic-hemorrhagic-disease.html[/url] or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/diseases/epizootic-hemorrhagic-disease.html ; Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) as well as Bluetongue Virus (BT) are illnesses caused by two similar viruses impacting white-tailed deer with EHD being more common in deer. These viruses are transmitted by the biting midge, Culicoides. Because these insect vectors and the virus are killed after the onset of frost, outbreaks are seasonal, typically occurring in late summer or early fall.+ - [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epizootic_hemorrhagic_disease[/url] or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epizootic_hemorrhagic_disease ; EHD is often called bluetongue, but this is incorrect. Bluetongue virus is closely related to EHDV, and has similar clinical signs, but it is a different disease DJ "EHD" may be linked with deer...In the past those deer also were found to test positive for CoViD in a few cases [url]https://www.unmc.edu/healthsecurity/transmission/2023/08/29/latest-covid-twist-coronavirus-is-spreading-in-deer-study-finds-and-many-are-getting-it-from-humans/[/url] or https://www.unmc.edu/healthsecurity/transmission/2023/08/29/latest-covid-twist-coronavirus-is-spreading-in-deer-study-finds-and-many-are-getting-it-from-humans/ So is blue tongue, EHD in farm animals maybe -in a way- linked to CoViD/EHD spread in deer ????? |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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link [url]https://news.yahoo.com/four-more-animals-infected-bluetongue-194512923.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly90LmNvLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMzll0wreUfLmULH0EeF7_R5x7Qb31SY1Wx3W6mkJZQyXKR_HvMD5fAb5r0l8o97YwwSo9_xeYSoSWM4Kb2EuF_XoacrG-1u7VHcu5DYcfQ37cLJFd9sTeXiWLXcBEATbnN3Cbrl6OfYpAMvMQdLoGHuJEq0_bTUtMVw2dwX76hj[/url] or https://news.yahoo.com/four-more-animals-infected-bluetongue-194512923.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly90LmNvLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMzll0wreUfLmULH0EeF7_R5x7Qb31SY1Wx3W6mkJZQyXKR_HvMD5fAb5r0l8o97YwwSo9_xeYSoSWM4Kb2EuF_XoacrG-1u7VHcu5DYcfQ37cLJFd9sTeXiWLXcBEATbnN3Cbrl6OfYpAMvMQdLoGHuJEq0_bTUtMVw2dwX76hj (Somehow the bbc -direct link is a problem...so is the bbc itself...) Andy Trigg - BBC News, Norfolk Four more cases of the livestock disease bluetongue have been identified by government vets. One animal was found to be infected in Norfolk and three among cattle in Kent. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) said the latest diagnoses were detected in England's two temporary control zones (TCZs). The agency said there were now 40 confirmed cases on 22 premises. DJ, cold weather is supposed to stop further spread-however the midges Defra said a number of different types of the disease were currently circulating in Europe. It can be spread to the UK by infected animal imports or by midges being carried across the English Channel by wind. Bluetongue poses no risk to humans or the food chain, but outbreaks can result in prolonged trade and animal movement restrictions. - A statement by APHA said: "There is currently still no evidence that bluetongue virus is currently circulating in midges in Great Britain. Surveillance is ongoing." DJ..."no evidence BTV in UK midges"...so the claim is all the infected cases came -by wind- over the North Sea ? The amount of stupidity is shocking ! [url]https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2023/12/articles/animals/dogs/bluetongue-in-a-dog/[/url] or https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2023/12/articles/animals/dogs/bluetongue-in-a-dog/ DJ-my view; A dog is NOT supposed to even be able to catch BTV !!! |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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[url]https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/nederland/artikel/5432593/er-een-vaccin-tegen-blauwtong[/url] or https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/nederland/artikel/5432593/er-een-vaccin-tegen-blauwtong DJ-This (2024) summer NL may have a vaccine against BTV-disease...The virus WILL show up this spring...it did kill 5% of NL sheep in 2023. [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetongue_disease#Vaccines[/url] or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetongue_disease#Vaccines In 2015 India produced a vaccine against BTV specific for India... BTV can infect-in theory-a lot of animals...So it needs control ! [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Zika_virus_epidemic[/url] or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Zika_virus_epidemic may have some links...BTV so far however has NOT been seen in humans ! |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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[url]https://www.gld.nl/nieuws/8134033/ik-bid-elke-dag-schapensector-is-bang-voor-terugkeer-blauwtong[/url] or https://www.gld.nl/nieuws/8134033/ik-bid-elke-dag-schapensector-is-bang-voor-terugkeer-blauwtong With the arrival of better weather, the sheep sector fears the return of bluetongue. The virus killed about 55,000 sheep last year. "I'm holding my breath," says sheep farmer Erik van Norel from Oosterwolde near Elburg. He fears the return of the bluetongue virus: "I hope not to experience it again. The fear is there. When is something going to come? When will we have a vaccine?" Last year, his company was hit by bluetongue. This virus mainly affects sheep. It is transmitted by midges, a type of small mosquitoes. They become active when the temperature rises. There is no vaccine against it yet. According to LTO, about 55,000 sheep and also about 1000 cattle died in the Netherlands last year due to bluetongue. Waiting for a vaccine"It's going to be exciting," Van Norel continues: "It could just mean the end of my company." There are currently about 250 adult sheep on that farm. In addition, the lambing season is in full swing and Van Norel now has about 300 lambs. So it's busy on his company, and Van Norel likes that. The hard work suffers somewhat from the threat of the virus: "I don't want to think about it too much, then you won't get anywhere. I hope it stays away for a while and that the vaccine comes as soon as possible." LTO also hopes for the rapid arrival of a vaccine, says Saskia Duives-Cahuzak, chair of the sheep farming department. But she also fears the arrival of the virus: "I pray every day." She also hopes for the rapid arrival of a vaccine: "But I think it's already too late. When it gets warmer." German alternative?It is still unclear whether a vaccine is indeed on the way, which will also be approved. And how quickly it can be there. In the meantime, Duives-Cahuzak sees that a few federal states in Germany are experimenting with a kind of vaccine: "That is an autoimmune vaccine. This is not allowed in the Netherlands. The minister doesn't want it. We are now trying to get parties, such as the BBB, to ask parliamentary questions." According to her, it is not sufficiently clear what the effect of that autoimmune vaccine is. And although LTO would rather have something than nothing, it still advises sheep farmers not to ask their veterinarian to use that vaccine. Van Norel doesn't think about that at all either: "At the moment I'm not looking at it. I hope it stays away for a while and that the vaccine comes as soon as possible. But suppose the virus suddenly rears its head next week, then I'll see what's possible. I'm going to see what the consequences are, if that would be a fine then you have to weigh things up." Once again, he emphasizes that the time has not yet come: "I hope that there will be a vaccine in the foreseeable future and that we will have a quiet year." No new infectionsAlthough the fear is there in the sector, there is no sign yet that there is already a new outbreak of bluetongue. This is according to Wageningen Bioveterinary Research. In a report last week, researcher Melle Holwerda states that all the results of studies concern old infections. Only if there is an acute infection will the NVWA be called in. He is happy with that outcome. "If midges become more active, the chance of an eventual infection increases, but it first requires a midge to ingest the virus through a blood meal from an infected animal. Whether and when that may happen cannot be predicted," Holwerda concludes. DJ...so NO new BTV cases in NL yet...Hope it stays away-but it is quite likely midges/midges eggs may have survived the (very mild) winter...Still it is not that predictable... Vaccines are NOT the real answer-less farm animals in NL/less consumption of meat - with fair prices for farmers- may be more of an answer... As far as I know only two (NL) dogs (ever) tested positive for BTV [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetongue_disease#[/url] or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetongue_disease# |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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[url]https://www.wur.nl/en/about-wur/news-wur/show/probably-multiple-transmission-routes-involved-in-2023-spread-of-bluetongue.htm[/url] or https://www.wur.nl/en/about-wur/news-wur/show/probably-multiple-transmission-routes-involved-in-2023-spread-of-bluetongue.htm ; In September 2023 the first cases of bluetongue appeared in the Netherlands. The virus spread was rapid. Researchers of Wageningen Bioveterinary Research looked into the spatial transmission characteristics of the 2023 bluetongue epidemic. “We found that the virus dispersed over long distances. In addition to between-farm spread via midges, other transmission routes probably played a role”, states the WBVR research team. - Long distance“We found that the 2023 BTV-3 transmission kernel has a long-distance spatial range across tens of kilometres. This finding underlines that in addition to short-distance dispersal of the bluetongue virus via infected midges, other transmission routes probably played an important role.” One of the likely alternative transmission routes is via livestock transport. DJ, Maybe now also happening in the US with H5N1 in cattle ? Only symptomatic cases are tested... Both BTV and H5N1 may spread without (much) symptoms...so more testing=limiting risks (but increasing costs...). |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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[url]https://www.dutchnews.nl/2024/04/sheep-farmers-can-start-vaccination-campaign-against-bluetongue/[/url] or https://www.dutchnews.nl/2024/04/sheep-farmers-can-start-vaccination-campaign-against-bluetongue/ ; A campaign to vaccinate around a million sheep against the insect-borne bluetongue virus is expected to start in days now agriculture minister Piet Adema as given the go-ahead to a new vaccine. The bluetongue virus was first identified on four Dutch sheep farms in early September last year and spread to hundreds of farms nationwide. It was the first time since 2009 that the disease, which does not pose a threat to humans, has been found in the Netherlands. Bluetongue is spread by midges, not by direct contact between animals, and farmers have been told to use insect repellents to stop the disease from being passed on. Contrary to bird flu, foot and mouth disease or mad cow disease, no animals will have to be culled as a result of the disease, which is characterised by high fever, swelling of the lips and red mucous membranes in the mouth and tongue. Although none of the animals have had to be culled hundreds of sheep have died from the disease. Some million doses of the Spanish-produced vaccine will be available in days followed by another million within two weeks for a second round of vaccinations. “The last months have been terrible for sheep and sheep farmers alike. (..) I am happy that we now have a safe and effective vaccine,” the minister said in a briefing to MPs. Farmers’ organisation LTO said they were surprised at the speed with which the vaccine had been approved. Saskia Duives of the LTO’s sheep farming department said she “danced for joy” at the announcement. “This is fantastic news. We thought it would take much longer. We were afraid we would not be in time to prevent another, even more serious outbreak as the gnats are getting more active with the rising temperatures,” she said. Duives said a rapid vaccination campaign will prevent many animals from getting seriously ill. DJ, Q-fever was active in the same sort of animals 15 years ago...One new Q-fever case may remain isolated [url]https://www.gld.nl/nieuws/8138652/vaccin-tegen-blauwtong-beschikbaar-voor-veehouders[/url] or https://www.gld.nl/nieuws/8138652/vaccin-tegen-blauwtong-beschikbaar-voor-veehouders ; Livestock farmers will soon be able to vaccinate their cows and sheep against bluetongue. Minister of Agriculture Piet Adema has approved a new vaccine against the bluetongue virus. The first doses will be on the Dutch market within a week. "The past period has been terrible for both the animals that were infected with the bluetongue virus and the keepers of these animals," Adema writes in a letter to the House of Representatives. The Minister of Agriculture 'is very pleased that a safe and effective vaccine is now available with which livestock farmers can protect their animals'. One million doses of vaccines are expected to be available in the Netherlands within a few days to a week. Two weeks later, another delivery of one million vaccines will follow, reports the NOS. There are around one million sheep in the Netherlands. One dose of vaccine is needed per sheep. Cattle must be vaccinated twice for optimal protection. According to the NOS , the approved vaccine was produced by the Spanish pharmaceutical company Syva. Veterinarians can buy those injections through wholesalers. The veterinarians then make an appointment with the farmers to vaccinate the animals. 55,000 dead sheepLast year, 55,000 sheep and 1,000 cattle died from the bluetongue virus. In Gelderland, hundreds of companies were affected, especially in the Gelderse Vallei and east of the Veluwe. The minister hopes that the vaccine will put an end to the misery in the stables. "Veterinarians are now starting vaccinations as soon as possible, so that the animals and keepers can hopefully have a quiet summer." Bluetongue is spread by the midge, a small mosquito. Drooling, swelling of the head, and limping are symptoms of an infestation. Although a large proportion of the animals recover, some animals, mainly sheep, also die. This year, the disease has not yet appeared anywhere. DJ, reduction of farm animals in NL is getting more urgent by the day...even most farmers may agree with this idea...Compensation for loss of income is one of the problems. |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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Dutch Josh ![]() Adviser Group ![]() Joined: May 01 2013 Location: Arnhem-Netherla Status: Offline Points: 95947 |
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[url]https://www.gld.nl/nieuws/8139408/niet-genoeg-vaccins-tegen-blauwtong[/url] or https://www.gld.nl/nieuws/8139408/niet-genoeg-vaccins-tegen-blauwtong ; The first doses of vaccine against the bluetongue virus will arrive in May, but they are far too few. This is reported by the Agriculture and Horticulture Organization (LTO). On Friday, outgoing Minister of Agriculture Piet Adema announced that the first million doses will arrive in the Netherlands at the beginning of May and another million two weeks later. But according to LTO, that is not enough to vaccinate all sheep and cattle immediately and that there is a shortage until the end of May. According to a spokesperson for LTO, the scarcity is "a relative concept". The extent of the shortage is not known. Because there are not enough doses, sheep, rare breeds and animals on farms with a public function, such as petting zoos, will be given priority for vaccination, LTO has determined together with other sector organizations and Utrecht University. Sheep take precedence, because the animals develop more serious symptoms if they are infected with the bluetongue virus and die from it more often than cattle. In addition, sheep only need one vaccination and cattle need two, with a few weeks in between. Tens of thousands of sheep died last year when they became infected with the bluetongue virus. In Gelderland, hundreds of companies were affected, especially in the Gelderse Vallei and east of the Veluwe. Bluetongue is spread by midges. These are small mosquitoes that come back when it gets warmer. "There are about 800,000 to 1 million sheep in the Netherlands. They are at the greatest risk and can and will therefore be the first to be vaccinated," says the spokesperson. After May, he says, other animals at risk can also be vaccinated. LTO also says that possible infections are not expected to take place until after May. "There are currently some active midges, but no active infection has been observed yet," he says. DJ, we need less farmanimals-higher prices for meat/dairy...risk-reduction ! |
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein |
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