Sampling Methodology to Maximize the Efficient Use of National Abattoir Surveillance: Using Archived Sera to Substantiate Freedom From Bluetongue Virus Infection in Ireland

摘要: In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the value multiple data sources available to fulfill surveillance objectives, and use these applied address many questions relating animal health surveillance. Ireland, we face a slightly different problem, namely, best an existing resource (serological samples collected over years from cull cows at slaughter), which used substantiate freedom Brucella abortus following its successful eradication in 2009. this study, evaluate sampling methodology bluetongue virus (BTV) infection. An examination degree were resident same herd throughout midge biting season showed that, 50,640 between 17 October 23 December 2016, 80.2% animals 01 April 2016 2 months prior their slaughter date, 74.1% for 1 month prior, 70.1% weeks 66.4% week 56.4% up day slaughter. was made individual within 88-well frozen storage block came geographically clustered herds, whether concentration single block, or clustering around slaughterhouse where taken. On basis analyses, strategy derived aimed minimizing number blocks needed be thawed, whilst ensuring large enough representative sample, stratified according bovine population 51 squares, each 45 × km, covering entirety Ireland. None 503 tested positive BTV, providing reassurance national BTV freedom. More broadly, study demonstrates abattoir-based serological one scale programme other infections.