Quantitative Assessment of the Probability of Bluetongue Virus Transmission by Semen

Abstract

In order to prevent the transmission of bluetongue virus (BTV) by semen, in case a semen collection or a storage centre is located within an endemic zone, the European Union established a ban on the movement of semen. However, there is a series of measures which may be applied to allow the exemption of semen from the exit ban. In order to assess the risk reduction achieved by some of these measures, a simulation model was constructed. In addition, the probability of introduction of BTV by importation of semen from a non-restricted area (exotic serotype) was also assessed.