In total, 19 Danish cattle herds have now been affected by the ruminant disease bluetongue, with the number expected to rise further. According to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen), there is concern regarding possible infections in an additional 14 herds. These alarming developments follow the first recorded case in Tønder just two weeks ago.

The disease is feared to spread rapidly across the country’s cattle populations, especially in the heavily impacted areas of South and Southern Jutland. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration assesses that a nationwide outbreak of bluetongue is highly likely. Although bluetongue does not pose a threat to humans, it can be serious for animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and deer. Symptoms can be severe and include significant fluid accumulation in the head, sores in the mouth, abortions, and in some cases, cyanosis (blue discoloration) of the tongue in sheep, which is how the disease gets its name.

This situation has led to increased activity at the Statens Serum Institut (SSI), which has recently received and dispatched thousands of vaccines against the disease. So far, a total of 43,800 vaccine doses have been distributed. Despite reassurances from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration regarding a sufficient vaccine supply, the pricing of the vaccines has drawn criticism from farmers. SSI purchases the vaccines at 21 Danish kroner per dose and resells them at 40 kroner each, which has been deemed unreasonable by the agricultural organization Landbrug & Fødevarer. However, SSI has defended the pricing by citing the need to cover their costs.

Bluetongue has already emerged as a significant challenge in large parts of Europe, and unfortunately, it now appears that Denmark is facing the same issue. With the increasing number of outbreaks, pressure is mounting on the nation’s herd owners and health authorities to mitigate the damage and protect the many animals at risk.