Since 2000, five different serotypes (1, 2, 4, 9, 16) of Bluetongue virus (BTV), a member of the genus Orbivirus within the family Reoviridae, have been actively circulating in Italy in animal species which are sensitive to the infection. Several regions in Southern and Central Italy have been involved in this epidemic. From 2006 to date, serious epidemic waves of a different serotype of BTV (serotype 8) have also occurred in Central-Northern Europe. In 2007, more than 12,000 outbreaks were recorded in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg and Germany. Every year, Italy, particularly the Veneto Region, imports several hundred thousands cattle for the restocking of feed-lots from these countries. In particular, in 2007 the Veneto Region imported about 420,000 cattle from France. From 26 October 2007 to 26 February 2008, 33 of these animals, introduced to 15 different meat-cattle holdings in the Region, were found to be seropositive to BTV-8 (30 of these bovines were also PCR positive). This new epidemiological situation has focussed the attention on strengthening the BT surveillance system in this Region, in order to early detect any introduction of BTV-8 and put proper sanitary measures into place to limit the possible spread of infection. The aim of the present study was to identify the geographical areas most exposed to the risk of virus introduction and spread in Veneto, in order to target monitoring activities in those areas. An Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis was carried out using MCM (Multiple Criteria Method) system. The analysis took into consideration the sampling scheme applied in BT surveillance programme and BT risk factors. Data on importation of cattle from areas at risk where active virus circulation was detected, density of dairy and meat cattle, and the presence and density of vectors. The application of MCM system allowed the identification of three different areas exposed to a higher risk of BTV-8 introduction.
Identification of areas at risk ok introduction of Bluetongue disease in the Veneto Region
CECCHINATO, MATTIA;
2008
Abstract
Since 2000, five different serotypes (1, 2, 4, 9, 16) of Bluetongue virus (BTV), a member of the genus Orbivirus within the family Reoviridae, have been actively circulating in Italy in animal species which are sensitive to the infection. Several regions in Southern and Central Italy have been involved in this epidemic. From 2006 to date, serious epidemic waves of a different serotype of BTV (serotype 8) have also occurred in Central-Northern Europe. In 2007, more than 12,000 outbreaks were recorded in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg and Germany. Every year, Italy, particularly the Veneto Region, imports several hundred thousands cattle for the restocking of feed-lots from these countries. In particular, in 2007 the Veneto Region imported about 420,000 cattle from France. From 26 October 2007 to 26 February 2008, 33 of these animals, introduced to 15 different meat-cattle holdings in the Region, were found to be seropositive to BTV-8 (30 of these bovines were also PCR positive). This new epidemiological situation has focussed the attention on strengthening the BT surveillance system in this Region, in order to early detect any introduction of BTV-8 and put proper sanitary measures into place to limit the possible spread of infection. The aim of the present study was to identify the geographical areas most exposed to the risk of virus introduction and spread in Veneto, in order to target monitoring activities in those areas. An Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis was carried out using MCM (Multiple Criteria Method) system. The analysis took into consideration the sampling scheme applied in BT surveillance programme and BT risk factors. Data on importation of cattle from areas at risk where active virus circulation was detected, density of dairy and meat cattle, and the presence and density of vectors. The application of MCM system allowed the identification of three different areas exposed to a higher risk of BTV-8 introduction.
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