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Assays for the Identification of Novel Antivirals against Bluetongue Virus
Published on: October 11, 2013
The first bluetongue virus isolation in Yugoslavia
B Djuricić1, G Jermolenko, B Milosević
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bul. JNA 18, Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro.
Veterinaria Italiana
|April 28, 2010
Summary
Bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 9 was identified in Serbia and Montenegro in 2001, marking the first recorded incidence of this sheep disease in Yugoslavia. Field studies confirmed the outbreak, leading to laboratory diagnosis and virus isolation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bluetongue (BT) is an insect-borne viral disease affecting ruminants, primarily sheep.
- Historically, BT had not been documented in Yugoslavia prior to 2001.
- The emergence of BT poses a significant threat to livestock health and agricultural economies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and confirm the first outbreak of bluetongue in Serbia and Montenegro.
- To isolate and serotype the bluetongue virus responsible for the 2001 incidence.
Main Methods:
- Field studies were conducted on suspected cases of bluetongue.
- Samples were collected from affected animals for laboratory analysis.
- Virus isolation and serotyping were performed by an international reference laboratory.
Main Results:
- Bluetongue virus (BTV) was successfully isolated from field samples.
- The isolated BTV was identified as serotype 9.
- This confirmed the first recorded occurrence of bluetongue in Yugoslavia.
Conclusions:
- The 2001 outbreak represented the initial emergence of bluetongue virus in Serbia and Montenegro.
- Identification of BTV serotype 9 is crucial for understanding viral circulation and implementing control strategies.
- This finding highlights the need for enhanced surveillance of bluetongue in the region.
