Survey of Culicoides ‐borne bluetongue and Schmallenberg viruses at the wildlife‐livestock interface in Doñana National Park (Spain)

A comprehensive survey of bluetongue virus (BTV) and Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in Doñana National Park, Spain, reveals widespread exposure and active circulation among wild and domestic ungulates. The study found high seroprevalence of BTV in red deer (97%) and fallow deer (64.7%), with viral RNA detected in multiple individuals, indicating ongoing transmission. SBV exposure was also prevalent across cattle (37%), red deer (16.8%), fallow deer (23.5%), and wild boar (2%). Notably, co-exposure to both viruses occurred in 18.7% of deer, though no co-infections were detected. The research underscores the role of wild cervids as potential reservoirs for these Culicoides-borne pathogens, particularly in vaccinated livestock scenarios, emphasizing the need for wildlife surveillance to inform disease control strategies.

Jiménez‐Ruiz, S., Vicente, J., Risalde, M. A., Acevedo, P., Cano‐Terriza, D., González‐Barrio, D., Barroso, P., & García‐Bocanegra, I. (2022). Survey of Culicoides ‐borne bluetongue and Schmallenberg viruses at the wildlife‐livestock interface in Doñana National Park (Spain). Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 69(5). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14516