Orbiviruses: A North American Perspective.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Arthropod-borne Diseases
• Animal Health

Background:

• Orbiviruses, including bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), are significant causes of livestock and wildlife disease outbreaks in the U.S.
• These viruses can lead to substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic losses, with subclinical infections acting as reservoirs and causing trade restrictions.
• The global presence of competent vectors places all livestock at risk for serious disease outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a gap analysis of scientific information and available countermeasures for controlling emerging Orbivirus outbreaks.
• To specifically assess threats posed by bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV).
• To identify weaknesses in current strategies for preventing and mitigating Orbivirus disease impacts.

Main Methods:

• Convened an international expert workshop organized by the USDA and DOI.
• Assessed existing scientific data on Orbiviruses and their impact on animal health.
• Evaluated the effectiveness of current countermeasures against BTV and EHDV.

Main Results:

• Identified that existing countermeasures for Orbivirus infections are only partially effective.
• Determined several key weaknesses in the current strategies for disease prevention and control.
• Highlighted the ongoing risk of significant outbreaks due to the presence of competent vectors and reservoir hosts.

Conclusions:

• Available countermeasures require improvement to effectively prevent and control Orbivirus outbreaks.
• Further research and development are needed to address identified weaknesses in disease mitigation strategies.
• Enhanced efforts are crucial to protect livestock and wildlife from the economic and health impacts of Orbiviruses.