Luxembourg has confirmed 39 cases of bluetongue disease in livestock, prompting a vaccination campaign to prevent further spread.

As of Thursday morning, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed in a press release that Luxembourg has 39 animals infected with bluetongue disease (BTV) across 28 farms. The affected animals include 25 cattle, 13 sheep, and 1 goat.

With rising concerns due to the epidemiological situation in neighbouring countries, in particular Belgium and Germany, and the potential for warm weather to exacerbate the spread of the disease-carrying insects, Luxembourg is preparing for an anticipated wave of infections. To address this, a vaccination campaign is in the works.

The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) is set to receive a vaccine this week, which has been ordered in advance. Veterinarians will be informed once the vaccine is available. While vaccination for cattle is voluntary, it is strongly recommended. The government will cover the cost of the vaccine, but animal owners will need to pay for the vaccination procedures.

ALVA also emphasises the importance of reporting any suspected cases of the disease to a veterinarian. It is important to note that the virus is not transmissible to humans, even through the consumption of meat or milk from infected animals.

Bluetongue disease is a noncontagious, insect-borne, viral disease affecting ruminants such as sheep, cattle and goats, among others. Symptoms include high fever, excessive salivation, swelling of the face and tongue, and is linked to high morbidity and mortality.

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