( dpa ) - Germany announced plans Wednesday to innoculate farm animals against bluetongue disease, which is common in Mediterranean countries and has been spreading north.
Agriculture Ministry official Gerd Mueller said Germany expected a suitable vaccine for cattle, sheep and goats to have obtained regulatory approval and be available from four companies in May.
Regulations for mandatory immunization on German farms were being passed now in anticipation, he said.
Officials said 867 German cows and six sheep had come down with the viral disease so far this year, after 20,479 cases last year.
Bluetongue virus is transferred by midges. The disease weakens animals but is not dangerous to humans, who can eat meat and milk from infected animals without risk.
