The most likely time and place of introduction of BTV8 into belgian ruminants

in PLoS ONE (2010), 5(2),

Estimation préliminaire de l’impact économique induit par l’infection naturelle par le sérotype 8 du virus de la fièvre catarrhale ovine (FCO) en élevage ovin

in Epidémiologie et Santé Animale (2008), 54

In Northern Europe, bluetongue caused by the bluetongue virus, serotype 8 (BTV-8), emerged in August 2006 and numerous ruminant herds were found to be affected in 2007. An epidemiological postal survey ... [more ▼]

In Northern Europe, bluetongue caused by the bluetongue virus, serotype 8 (BTV-8), emerged in August 2006 and numerous ruminant herds were found to be affected in 2007. An epidemiological postal survey was sent to 502 sheep holders with the help of the sheep and goats inter-professional federation (called FICOW). A total of 18% of holders responded (mainly meat holders). These holders market their animals on short circuit (direct sales). Despite morbidity and mortality, animal sterility (still not quantified) and lower growth, costs of animal treatment were important (sick animals and/or animals living with sick animals): minimum = 2 €/animal treated; maximum = 135 € / animal treated; mean = 26 €/animal treated and median = 20 €/animal treated. Except for rams, the price of animals (for reproduction and meat) has not varied significantly while the survey was conducted. A second postal survey is programmed after the lambing period to assess reproductive and other economic losses that could not be quantified by the time this surveywas run. [less ▲]