Bluetongue surveillance in Switzerland in relation with risk

Owing to the spread of bluetongue in the Mediterranean region, Switzerland set up an early warning system in 2003. With the appearance of BTV-8 in Central Europe in 2006, the country was threatened from both north and south, so that the surveillance system was extended to the whole country. The surveillance programme comprises serological monitoring of bovine milk in risk areas, increased clinical monitoring of all susceptible farm animals and monitoring of vector activity. Thanks to the information given to animal owners and veterinarians, the first clinical cases were promptly diagnosed. Sentinel surveillance with serological monitoring of milk has also proved a suitable way to detect outbreaks in the absence of clinical symptoms.