The first isolated cases of EHD were detected among farm animals in the autumn of last year. However, since spring of this year, the epidemic has accelerated. As reported by La France Agricole, more than 4,500 outbreaks have already been recorded in herds of sheep, goats and cattle.
The largest number of cases of hemorrhagic disease occur in the south and west of the country, with an isolated case in the north. Farmers are raising the alarm because at the same time, the epidemic of bluetongue and avian influenza is progressing among poultry. Farm organizations are demanding more coordinated actions and strategies to combat the epidemic, including subsidized vaccination campaigns and financial support for those affected.
Meanwhile, French Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau announced that the French government will not buy vaccines or subsidize farmers to vaccinate animals – against EHD, bluetongue and highly pathogenic avian influenza.
– It is up to the livestock sector to organize vaccinations and it is in the farmers' interest to pay for it – said the minister. – The state will not reimburse for vaccine purchases, nor will it finance the EHD vaccination itself. There will be no government orders for medicines. We will continue to listen to experts in the field of cattle and sheep breeding, and we will help where necessary – said Fesneau.
Epizootic haemorrhagic disease of deer (EHD) is an infectious, non-contagious viral disease of captive and free-ranging ruminants. It affects sheep, goats, cattle, roe deer, and many species of African antelope. The disease is caused by a virus of the genus Orbivirus (Reoviridae) transmitted by mosquito bites.
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