3 research outputs found
Impact of temperature, feeding preference and vaccination on Schmallenberg virus transmission in Scotland
First identified in 2011, Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is principally transmitted by Culicoides midges and
affects ruminants. Clinical presentation is typified by foetal abnormalities, but despite very high infection
rates, relatively few animals present with clinical signs. In this paper we further develop a previously
published stochastic mathematical model of SBV spread to investigate the optimal deployment of a vaccine
for SBV in Scotland, a country that has experienced only sporadic and isolated cases of SBV.We consider the
use of the vaccine under different temperatures and explore the effects of a vector preference for feeding on
cattle. We demonstrate that vaccine impact is optimised by targeting it at the high risk areas in the south of
Scotland, or vaccinating only cattle. At higher than average temperatures, and hence increased transmission
potential, the relative impact of vaccination is considerably enhanced. Vaccine impact is also enhanced if
vectors feed preferentially on cattle. These findings are of considerable importance when planning control
strategies for SBV and also have important implications for management of other arboviruses such as
Bluetongue virus. Environmental determinants and feeding preferences should be researched further to
inform development of effective control strategies