Blue disease in Berne: Deichschäfer fight for the survival of their sheep

Blue disease in Berne: Deichschäfer fight for the survival of their sheep

Crisis in sheep farming: The Blozungen disease is spreading from

threat to the sheep stocks in Berne-Piependamm

In the Wesermarsch region, the dike skiers Christina de Jong and Marco Bockelmann are confronted with a serious challenge: the blue -tung disease, a virus infection, has threatened their sheep. Of their 500 sheep, 35 have already died and many more show symptoms of the virus. This is a significant risk to local sheep farming and presents those affected before massive emotional and economic stress.

symptoms and treatment

The symptoms of blue -tongue disease are diverse. Heavy saliva and a swollen face are frequent signs. But not all sheep show the same complaints. Some animals have difficulty running. Veterinarian Robert Klukas, who treated the coupling sheep, assesses the situation as critical. Bad news is also the cases in which lambs have also died, although it was expected that they are more easily affected by the disease.

a race against the time

The dike skiers started vaccinations against blue -tongue disease three weeks ago, but the full effect of the vaccine is long in coming. For some of her sheep, this could come too late, which underlines the urgency of the situation. The lack of suitable drug options for sheep also makes the treatment more difficult. The veterinarians rely on unconventional solutions in order to relieve the symptoms as much as possible.

emotional and economic stress

The emotional loads of the dike caves are enormous. Christina de Jong reports that she is often awake at night and that the comments on social media are worried about not to take care of her animals sufficiently. These accusations are particularly painful because she and her husband do everything in their power to help the sick animals.

effects on agriculture

The economic consequences of this epidemic are devastating. According to veterinarian Klukas, cattle also suffer from the disease. The first deaths and miscarriages are reported in cows, which leads to a decline in milk yield. This could have serious financial consequences for numerous farmers in the area.

protective measures and outlook

The veterinary office has made it clear that the blue -tongue disease is not dangerous for humans, but it affects all ruminants. The drastic measures to combat the disease are necessary to protect the local stocks and the economic basis of the shepherds concerned. The situation remains tense, but the hope of better days lives through the joint efforts of those affected and the responsible authorities.