AVV Wiesbaden Urges Livestock Owners to Vaccinate Against Bluetongue

Due to confirmed cases of the bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 8 in the districts of Mainz-Bingen in Rhineland-Palatinate, as well as Bergstraße and, most recently, Fulda (May 29, 2026) in Hesse, the designated restricted zone has been expanded accordingly. As a result, all districts in Hesse are now affected by the trade restriction zone. Within this restricted zone, restrictions apply to the movement of cattle, sheep, and goats.

The likelihood of BTV-8 spreading has increased significantly due to the nationwide development of the disease in recent months. A further, widespread outbreak is expected in the coming summer months.

For this reason, the Office of Veterinary Affairs and Consumer Protection of the State Capital of Wiesbaden strongly advises owners of cattle, sheep, and goats to have their animals vaccinated against serotypes 3, 4, and 8 of the bluetongue virus.  

Vaccinations should be completed before the next wave of infection and thus as soon as possible. This wave begins during the warmer months with an increase in the mosquito population, which transmits the virus. Animal owners are asked to notify the AVV Wiesbaden of completed vaccinations by email to veterinaeramtwiesbadende. Additionally, the vaccinations should be entered into the HIT database.

Further information on bluetongue disease and all conditions for movement can be found summarized here:

https://landwirtschaft.hessen.de/tierschutz-und-tierseuchen/tierseuchen/blauzungenkrankheit (opens in a new tab)

With regard to BTV3, there are no movement restrictions within Germany.

The interactive map of the updated Hessian BT trade restriction zone can be accessed via the following link:

260601_BTV_Trade_Zones_HE (opens in a new tab)