Spatial and temporal evolution of bluetongue virus in wild ruminants, Spain

Abstract

We confirmed the emergence of bluetongue virus (BTV) in 5 wild ruminant species in Spain. BTV seroprevalence was high and dispersed with time, with a south-to-north gradient. Our results suggest a complex epidemiology of BTV and underline the need for additional research on wildlife in Europe.

Figure 1

Map of Spain showing wild ruminant sampling sites (black dots) and areas (gray) sampled along a south-to-north gradient during 2003–2007. SC, Sistema Central; TO, Toledo Province; MT, Montes de Toledo; GU, Guadiana Valley; SM, Sierra Morena; ALC, Alcornocales.

Figure 2

Study areas in Spain showing wild ruminant sampling sites by study year. A) 2003–2004; B) 2004–2005; C) 2005–2006; D) 2006–2007. A year is defined as the period July–June. Animal movement restriction areas for each year (www.mapa.es) are shown (gray areas). White dots show wild ruminant seronegative sampling sites, and black dots show level of bluetongue virus seroprevalence in wild ruminants. Numbers of sampled wild animals per sampling site are shown in parentheses.