BTv 6 in the Netherlands

The EU reference laboratory has confirmed that the bluetongue virus detected in four animals in the Netherlands corresponds with the vaccine virus strain. The vaccine (which is a live modified vaccine) is used for BTv6 and other serotypes in South Africa (and possibly elsewhere). This type of vaccine is not registered for use in the EU currently so there are serious questions about how this ended up in the Netherlands.

The Dutch authorities are carrying out a full investigation and the European Commission emergency vet team has been sent to help. It would be wrong to speculate on the reasons until the results of the investigation are published. The tight controls in the Netherlands remain in place - the controls have the effect of stopping all exports of susceptible animals.