Vector-borne diseases in animals
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) supports the Dutch government and business life by performing diagnostic tests and scientific research and by giving policy recommendations for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases. Many of these diseases are transmissible to humans (zoonoses).
What are vector-borne diseases?
Is there cause for concern in the Netherlands?
The majority of animal diseases that occur in the Netherlands are spread directly from one animal to another. But other diseases are becoming more widespread. Diseases and insects that previously only occurred in the tropics and subtropics are steadily moving northward. Global warming means that pathogens and insects can survive in areas that were previously too cold. In addition, people, animals and goods travel all over the globe, giving diseases and insects a free ride unnoticed. This increases the likelihood of spreading animal diseases.
Diseases that are transmitted by insects call for a specific control strategy. The best control method is prevention. This involves, among other things, a strict check on the import of animals, knowledge of where the diseases occur and the development and application of diagnostics and vaccines.
Take a look at our research on:
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Bluetongue
Bluetongue (BT) is a non-contagious viral disease of sheep and other ruminants such as cattle and goats. The main route of infection is the bite of flies (midges) infected with the bluetongue virus (BTV). Sick animals cannot directly infect each other, and the disease can not be transmitted to humans. Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) conducts research into this disease.
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Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever
Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a bunya virus transmitted from animals to humans via ticks. In humans, the virus can cause serious illness, typified by haemorrhages accompanied by high fever. Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) conducts research on this disease.
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Rift Valley fever
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral zoonosis that primarily affects animals but also has the capacity to infect humans. Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) conducts research on this disease.
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Schmallenberg
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a virus to which ruminants such as cows, sheep and goats are susceptible. Midges (small mosquitoes) transmit the virus from animal to animal. The virus is not contagious to humans. Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) conducts research into this disease.
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West Nile fever
West Nile fever is caused by the West Nile virus (WNV). It is transmitted by mosquito species that are present in large numbers in warmer climate areas, but can also be present in areas with mild temperatures. Mosquitoes, birds, mammals and humans can be infected. Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) conducts research into this disease.