The warm and dry late summer weather has created optimal conditions for small, blood-sucking midges that thrive in this climate. These midges are carriers of the disease known as bluetongue, which primarily affects ruminants such as sheep and cattle. René Bødker, a senior researcher at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen (Københavns Universitet), warns that we are facing a new generation of midges, which could lead to a significant increase in disease transmission. “We are observing a fifth generation of midges, which typically only breed three to four times per season. This means that we can expect a major wave of midges here in September, and possibly into early October,” Bødker states.
The combination of favorable weather conditions and sufficient warmth allows the virus to develop efficiently in the midges’ salivary glands, increasing the risk of infection among livestock. The month of August has already proven to be warm, with temperatures reaching 30.5 degrees Celsius (86.9 degrees Fahrenheit) at Holbæk Airport last Thursday. Although the calendar indicates fall, warmth is expected to return next week with temperatures up to 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees Fahrenheit), according to forecasts from TV 2 Vejret, a Danish weather service.
The first case of bluetongue was confirmed in Tønder three weeks ago, and since then, the virus has been detected in 46 livestock herds, with suspicions in an additional 38 herds, primarily in southern and western Jutland, according to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen) website. Although the vaccine for bluetongue is available, it is voluntary for livestock owners to vaccinate their animals. Agriculture & Food (Landbrug & Fødevarer) has criticized the pricing of the vaccine, stating that they find it too high, which may hinder the outreach of the vaccination program.
The situation requires increased attention from livestock owners, as further spread of bluetongue could have serious consequences for the livestock population in Denmark.