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Studies of the epidemiology and control of bluetongue in China
Project ID
AS2/1993/001
Project Country
Commissioned Organisation
NSW Agriculture, Elizabeth McArthur Agricultural Institute, Australia
Project Leader
Dr Peter D Kirkland
Phone:
02 4640 6331
Fax:
02 4640 6429
Project Budget
$1,046,040.00
Start Date
01/01/1994
Finish Date
31/12/1996
Extension Start Date
01/01/1997
Extension Finish Date
31/12/1997
ACIAR Research Program Manager
Dr Denis Hoffmann
Overview Objectives
The main aim is to research the epidemiology and pathogenicity of bluetongue virus in China and Australia by mutual technology transfer, and to achieve both national and regional recognition of the Yunnan Tropical and Subtropical Animal Virus Disease Laboratory as a reference centre for bluetongue.
Specifically, scientists from China will undertake exchange visits with Australian scientists to learn methods for the diagnosis of bluetongue infection (cell culture, virus isolation and identification, serology and antigen detection). Links will be established with other bluetongue research projects in the region and a regional symposium on the disease will be hosted during the project.
Project Background and Objectives
Bluetongue is a viral infection of ruminants. The disease normally occurs only in sheep. Cattle and possibly buffaloes, are the main vertebrate reservoirs of the arbovirus and act as sources of infection for a few species of Culicoides midges which biologically transmit the virus to fresh susceptible ruminants.
China is at risk from problems with bluetongue because of the populations of ruminant livestock in the country (81 million cattle; 22 million buffaloes; 113 million sheep; and 97 million goats). In 1979, bluetongue was reported in Yunnan Province and has since been confirmed in three additional provinces and suspected in others.
Cross-breeding with Australian stock is dependent on strategies to control and manage bluetongue. It is a high priority for the Chinese Government and considerable study has been undertaken. Research in Australia, which has an international reputation for bluetongue research, will also contribute to greater knowledge of the disease.
Location
There are no project locations defined for this project.
