Bluetongue in Albania Ardian XINXO Deputy Director of Food Safety and Veterinary Institute - MARDWA
Veterinary Service & Stakeholders The Veterinary Service (Competent Authority) is composed by: Veterinary Directorate at the Ministry of Agriculture, including the sector of Epidemiology and; 13 Regional Veterinary Sectors (157 Official Veterinarians) The Veterinary Service is under restructuring in the framework of reform in the agricultural system. Food Safety and Veterinary Institute (FSVI) is the National Reference Laboratory, responsible for the animal health and food safety. 7 Regional Animal Health and Welfare Laboratories under National Food Agency (NFA).
Livestock and Veterinary Information System (RUDA) http://ruda.altirana.com Livestock Unit/Farm, Slaughterhouse, Pasture, Market Private veterinarian at commune level Official veterinarian at regional level Epidemiology Unit Directorate of Veterinary Service - Cases identification - Clinical diagnosis, therapy - Reporting - Data collection - Investigation, responding measures - Reporting - Data & analysis - Investigations in support of regional veterinary sectors - Reporting - Planning - Formulate strategies; - Legislation, - Monitoring
Livestock population, distribution 2.5 million small ruminants (sheep & goats); and 400 000 cattle
Previous Situation The first bluetongue outbreaks/spread was state at 1998 1999, coming from Greece. In 2002, a limit study was conducted. 857 samples from bovine & small ruminants were collected from 15 districts; Analyses were performed at the FSVI with c-elisa test; Confirmation of virus serotype was made in ZSA&M Teramo Italy.
Results of the study Overall sera-prevalence in bovine was 18.9% and in small ruminants was 4.4%. Sera-positive animals were identified in all 15 selected districts. The highest prevalence was identified in Tirana district with 61% in bovine and 20% in small ruminants. The virus neutralization test at IZSA&M Teramo Italy confirmed the presence of bluetongue virus serotype 9. BT prevalence (%) in bovine BT prevalence (%) in sheep and goats Food Safety and Veterinary Institute - Albania www.isuv.gov.al
The vectors situation Presence of the vector of disease were identified at the 15 regions. 12-ty species of Culicoides were identified. The most aboundat species belong to Obsoletus Complex (98%). Culicoides imicola was not identified. Geographical distribution of Culicoides spp. Identified,2002
Bluetongue outbreaks in 2014 The firs cases was reported on 17 August 2014. Reports were related with villages in border with Greece (Arrëz, Çetë, Vidohovë, Radanj, Leskovik). Diagnosis was confirmed in FSVI with c-elisa test Bluetongue outbreak Florina Greece 85% of 5,027 samples have resulted positive to c-elisa. Sera-type 4 is identified at IZSA&M, Teramo, Italy Bluetongue outbreaks Investigation in Korça region Albania
Bluetongue outbreaks in 2014 Total number of outbreaks/farms was 2,463 (mean = 21 outbreaks/day with the maximum = 188 outbreaks/day). Highest occurrence during September. Overall reported number was 29,739 (mean = 256 animals/day with the maximum 1 524 animals/day). Around 999 villages (33%) in 33 district (92%) has been affected Overall Bluetongue Deaths in ruminants 6,696 (mean = 58 animals/day with the maximum = 372 animals/day). Species Morbidity (%) Prevalence (%) Mortality (%) Fatality (%) Sheep 3 12.9 2.9 22.6 Goats 0.16 3.8 0.8 21.4 Cattle 0.68 15.5 3.01 19.4 Distribution of the reported cases
Bluetongue control measures, 2014 Minister Order, No. 16, date 15.01.2007, On the specific measures for the control of bluetongue disease. Bluetongue control/monitoring plan was prepared & approved, including : Case definition Disease surveillance (instructions for clinical diagnosis, disease reporting and sample collections) Laboratory diagnosis Sanitary measures Farm biosecurity measures
Bluetongue cases in 2015-2016 2015 2016 15 districts effected (42%) Reported cases 249 Deaths 33 cases (cattle 16, sheep 17, goats 3) Fatality 13%. 12 districts effected (33%) Reported cases 660 (cattle 1, sheep 104, goats 3) Fatality 16%.
Areas for Improvement Veterinary Service Delivery (Reform Issues) Laboratory confirmatory diagnosis Animal Identification Animal movement control