Development of tools for veterinary research
Laying out an efficient vaccination policy, evaluating existing vaccines and developing new ones were the main aims of the BLUETONGUE VACCINATION project. Partners focused on the development of virus-like vaccines, based on inactivated virions and novel modes of delivery. As part of their efforts and ongoing studies, project partners developed a laboratory-based colony of the BTV vector, Culicoides nubeculosus (C. nuberculosu). This vector 'stockhouse' can be used by laboratories across Europe and could be of great use for the evaluation of virulence of viral strains intended for vaccine production. Furthermore, the colony was used for the testing of existing live vaccine viruses. A research tool of this nature could be valuable for all studies involving BTV and other virus-vector interactions. Continuing research and information exchange as regards BTV and its transmission can help in the formulation of an effective vaccination policy for Europe.
