A combination of vaccination, vector control and biosecurity is necessary for successful BTV control.
Bluetongue Virus (BTV) Control in Sheep and Cattle
Bluetongue (BTV) is an insect borne viral disease of ruminants, especially sheep. BTV is a notifiable disease because of the considerable economic losses it causes. Recent outbreaks in Northern Europe have been attributed to climate change creating favourable conditions for the BTV virus vector, Culicoides midges. The range of the midges have extended northwards and environmental conditions allow for extended breeding seasons.
Combined control
Once BTV is established in a country, it can be difficult to control and may be impossible to eradicate. The wide host range and the possible existence of latently infected carrier animals make elimination of the source of infection difficult.
Vector control and vaccination is necessary for successful BTV control.
Intervet International
Intervet is a global leader in biologicals. The company prides itself in supplying superior quality products and strives to support these products with the necessary technical expertise.
Intervet has an effective insecticide to control Culicoides midges and has developed an inactivated vaccine against BTV serotype 8 called Bovilis BTV8.