Bluetongue Disease: An Analysis of the Epidemic in Germany 2006–2009

Abstract

In August 2006, bluetongue virus of serotype 8 (BTV-8), which had occurred before in the sub-Saharan region, Asia and South America, was introduced into Central Europe. The virus hit an area with a high population density of BTV-naive ruminants, suitable vectors (Culicoides spp.) and climatic conditions favourable for virogenesis and transmission. In 2006 and 2007, the disease spread over wide parts of western Germany and had a high economic impact on sheep and cattle farms. To reduce animal losses, mitigate the clinical symptoms and stop the further spread of the disease, Germany decided to implement a compulsory vaccination programme with a monovalent, inactivated vaccine against BTV-8 in May 2008 which has apparently led to the eradication of the disease. This chapter reviews the pathogenesis of bluetongue disease, the clinical signs, diagnosis, the course of the epidemic, control measures and the economic impact of the BTV-8 epidemic in Germany.