Animal diseases Bluetongue disease reaches the canton of St. Gallen

The canton of St. Gallen has confirmed the first case of bluetongue serotype 3 in a sheep. In order to contain any further spread, the affected livestock farm has been banned from animal traffic, the St. Gallen State Chancellery wrote in a press release on Friday.

In eastern Switzerland, two cases of bluetongue in sheep have already been detected in Thurgau in the past week. Since the end of August, there have also been cases of bluetongue in various cantons in north-western and north-eastern Switzerland, wrote the canton of St. Gallen.

Bluetongue is a viral disease of ruminants that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It primarily affects sheep and cattle. According to the statement, there is no risk of infection for humans.

Fever, swelling in the head area, bleeding and breathing difficulties can occur in infected animals. Miscarriages are also possible, the statement added.

Bluetongue is an animal disease that must be controlled according to the Animal Diseases Ordinance. The culling of animals is only necessary in cases of severe disease progression. So far, the case detected in the canton of St.Gallen has not been severe.

SDA