Control Measures for Bluetongue in Portugal

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation was to discuss the evolution of bluetongue in Portugal in the last years and the measures taken to control the disease. Portugal was first exposed to bluetongue serotype 4 (BTV-4) in 2004 and later to BTV-1 (2008). As BTV-8 had also become a matter of concern in other European coun­tries, several measures were taken to prevent the introduction of this new serotype in the country. These measures to control and contain BTV-4 spread, and to control and monitor BTV-1 evolution, were based on the implementation of surveillance (clinical, entomological and virological) and vaccination pro­grammes. Vaccination is considered to be the most effective measure to control the disease and led Portugal to the status of pre-eradication for BTV-4.