Effective inactivated Bluetongue vaccine
Bluetongue virus (BTV) causes widespread financial losses for farmers of cattle and sheep in countries where there is a hot climate. It is spread by a species of midge, C. imicola and symptoms of the disease can include loss of condition, lameness, abortion and congenital malformations. As an alternative to live vaccines previously used, researchers at the company Meriel isolated strains of virulent bluetongue virus. They then developed a bivalent inactivated vaccine for types BTV2 and 4 of the pathogen. The vaccine has been produced on an industrial scale based on experience gained in development of the African Horse sickness vaccine. After vaccination challenge studies had been carried out to verify the efficiency and safety of the product, populations of ruminant were vaccinated in four countries in Southern Europe. In order to protect animal stocks from the multiple forms of the virus at large, Meriel has started development of vaccines in order to tackle two further strains. The animal health company objective is to develop a range of effective vaccines to deal with the serotypes prevalent within southern Europe. This, it is hoped, will serve to completely prevent outbreaks of the disease. The vaccine developed has all the properties required for its widespread uptake by those involved in livestock farming. It has no adverse effects on the animal as well as being economic and practical to use. Its application on a widespread scale could result in the complete eradication of this virus from southern Europe.