Vaccinontwikkeling blauwtong (KB-12-005.01-012)

In 2006, NW Europe has faced the Culicoides borne animal disease Bluetongue. Available vaccines for Bluetongue have each their characteristic disadvantages with regard to safety and efficacy, and in addition have no DIVA properties (DIVA: Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animal). Further, there are no vaccines available for all 26 serotypes. This project aims to develop an efficacious and safe (DIVA) vaccine for BTV serotypes based on a replicating BT-vaccine. Firstly, a completely ‘synthetic’ Bluetongue vaccine virus will be generated, and subsequently used as basis for the development of a vaccine platform for other serotypes. The most important aim is to incorporate all desired properties such as safety, efficacy, broad protection and DIVA in a payable vaccine for Bluetongue.