Overview
- A bluetongue case found in a cattle holding in Landkreis Fulda led Landkreis Kassel to declare the entire state of Hesse a restriction zone on Tuesday, June 2.
- Under EU rules a 150‑kilometre radius must be drawn around affected holdings, which expanded the existing zone and now fully includes Landkreis Kassel.
- Strict conditions apply to moving ruminants out of the zone, while trade inside the zone is not banned, and unvaccinated animals face extra testing and insect‑protection rules.
- Local veterinary authorities are urging owners to vaccinate cattle, sheep, goats and camelids against BTV‑8 to cut severe illness and deaths; current measures target BTV‑8 only.
- Bluetongue is spread by small biting midges, harms ruminant health with fever, lameness and possible abortions, presents no risk to humans, and vaccines are available to reduce clinical impact.