Blue Tongue Disease Spurs Restrictions and Vaccination Costs for German Farmers

New cases of blue‑tongue disease (BTV) have been confirmed in Lower Saxony, Thuringia and most of Saxony‑Anhalt, prompting authorities to establish 150‑kilometre restriction zones around the outbreaks. The disease spreads mainly via biting midges and can affect cattle, sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas, causing mouth inflammation and, in rare cases, death.

Farmers within the zones face tighter transport rules and must bear the expense of vaccinating their herds. About 25 % of cattle have been vaccinated against the older strain, while only roughly 7 % have received shots for the new BTV‑8 variant, according to the Thuringian health ministry. While some producers voice concerns over the added costs and logistical hurdles, many remain cautiously optimistic, noting that vaccination programmes and experience gained since 2023 have improved preparedness.