The Federal Veterinary Office has confirmed three cases of bluetongue disease in the country. Two sheep on a farm in the canton of Jura are infected as well as a sheep in the canton of Solothurn. This is the first time there are cases that involve an infection with subtype 3 (BTV-3). This variant of the virus causes severe symptoms such as fever, inflammation, and lameness. + Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox “The new variant is more dangerous for sheep in particular,” explains Solothurn cantonal veterinarian Chantal Ritter. “The course of the disease is more severe, and the sheep can also die from it.” The virus is spreading rapidly via an insect vector such as midges in Germany and France. The Federal Veterinary Office is now preparing the necessary measures together with the cantonal veterinarians. The most efficient measure would be protection against the insects. However, there are no vaccines available in Switzerland. There are currently three ...
