Decision Support Tools for Vector-borne Spread of Animal Disease

Abstract

Bluetongue is a vector-borne, viral disease of ruminants that can cause substantial losses in productivity in farmed livestock. It is transmitted by Culicoides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) which means that the geographic distribution of disease is restricted to those regions where these vectors are present. In 2006 a virulent serotype of bluetongue (BTV-8) was detected in Northern Europe causing losses of livestock with knock-on economic and welfare effects. Bluetongue virus is endemic in Northern Australia, but clinical signs of disease have not been reported in either cattle or sheep. The risk of incursion of a virulent strain of bluetongue into Australia represents a constant threat,..