Epidemic potential of an emerging vector borne disease in a marginal environment: Schmallenberg in Scotland

Publication type: 

EDENext Number (or EDEN No): 

EDENext084

Authors: 

Bessell PR, Searle KR, Auty HK, Handel IG, Purse BV, Bronsvoort BM.

Bibliography Partner: 

Journal: 

Status: 

Year: 

2013

Reference: 

Sci Rep. 2013;3:1178. doi: 10.1038/srep01178. Epub 2013 Jan 31.

Host: 

Pathogen: 

Data description: 

The model used in this analysis is a stochastic simulation model comprising two, main compartments: a) the transmission from livestock host to vector; and b) the transmission from vector to host.

Keywords: 

Schmallenberg Scotland, Sheep, Culicoides

Abstract: 

During 2011 Schmallenberg virus (SBV) presented as a novel disease of cattle and sheep that had apparently spread through northern Europe over a relatively short period of time, but has yet to infect Scotland. This paper describes the development of a model of SBV spread applied to Scotland in the event of an incursion. This model shows that SBV spread is very sensitive to the temperature, with relatively little spread and few reproductive losses predicted in years with average temperatures but extensive spread (>1 million animals infected) and substantial reproductive losses in the hottest years. These results indicate that it is possible for SBV to spread in Scotland, however spread is limited by climatic conditions and the timing of introduction. Further results show that the transmission kernel shape and extrinsic incubation period parameter have a non-linear effect on disease transmission, so a greater understanding of the SBV transmission parameters is required.