Germany’s livestock farmers can continue to have their cattle, sheep and goats vaccinated against bluetongue disease. The exemption for three vaccines, which was valid until December 6, will be extended without any gaps and without any time limit. The Federal Council also approved a corresponding regulation by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).
Federal Minister Cem Özdemir explains : “We must continue to offer our livestock farmers every opportunity to protect their cattle, sheep and goats from the serious consequences of bluetongue disease. The best way to do this is to vaccinate them in good time. We are therefore naturally extending the exemption for the three tailor-made vaccines. The health of your cattle, sheep and goats is also in the livestock farmers’ own interest. Hence my appeal: vaccinate your animals before the next midge season begins in spring”.
Bluetongue disease is a virus-related disease transmitted by a type of mosquito. The current serotype 3 (BTV-3) causes severe cases, particularly in cattle, goats and sheep, which can be fatal, particularly in the latter two. This often has serious economic consequences for livestock farmers. There is currently no vaccine against this serotype EU-approved vaccine. Â
In June, the Federal Government therefore issued an emergency ordinance permitting the immediate use of three vaccines named by the Paul Ehrlich Institute for a period of six months. The “Ordinance amending the Second Ordinance on certain vaccines to protect against bluetongue disease” that has now been adopted creates the possibility of continuous use of the BTV-3 vaccines beyond December 6. The new exemption will apply until a corresponding vaccine approved in the European Union is available.
