Germany: BMEL extends the exemption for vaccines against bluetongue disease

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. So my appeal is: vaccinate your animals before the next midge season begins in spring." Bluetongue disease is a virus-related disease that is transmitted by a type of mosquito (midges). The current serotype 3 (BTV-3) causes severe cases, particularly in cattle, goats and sheep, which can also be fatal, especially in the latter two. This also often has serious economic consequences for livestock farmers. There is currently no EU-approved vaccine against this serotype. In June, the BMEL therefore issued an emergency ordinance permitting the immediate use ...