Bluetongue Disease Hits Offenbach District for First Time

Bluetongue disease spreads to Offenbach. Protect your livestock with insect repellents and vaccinations, supported by the Animal Disease Fund of Hesse.

, and Administrator

2025 October 19 . 6:02 AM

1 min read

Background portion of the picture is in blue, yellow and cream color. In this picture we can see a... — Background portion of the picture is in blue, yellow and cream color. In this picture we can see a man carrying a sheep around his shoulders. We can see a cane walking stick.

Bluetongue Disease Hits Offenbach District for First Time

Bluetongue disease, a viral infection affecting ruminants, has been detected in the Offenbach district for the first time. Two sheep in Rodgau have been confirmed infected, but the disease poses no risk to humans or the safety of meat and milk.

The first case of bluetongue disease in Hesse was detected in July 2024, and since then, it has spread to all federal states. The Offenbach district, which has 37 cattle holdings and 121 sheep or goat holdings registered, is the latest to be affected. The infected animals have been isolated and are receiving symptomatic treatment, but the farm remains open.

Animal owners are advised to protect their livestock with insect-repellent agents and vaccinate them to minimize infection risk. The Animal Disease Fund of Hesse supports these efforts, providing three euros per vaccination for cattle and two euros for sheep and goats. Owners are also obliged to report suspected cases to the veterinary office.

The detection of bluetongue disease in the Offenbach district serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preventive measures in protecting the animal kingdom. While the disease has contributed to a decline in livestock numbers in Germany, with a significant decrease in the number of milk cows and sheep in recent years, the support provided by the Animal Disease Fund of Hesse aims to mitigate its impact.