Opinion of the Scientific Panel AHAW on the EFSA Selfmandate on bluetongue origin and occurrence

The current distribution of bluetongue (BT) in Europe deserves special consideration in regard to i) the spread and epidemiology of BT virus (BTV) into new regions, ii) the surveillance and monitoring activities of MS, iii) the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of BT, iv) a scientific approach being adopted in the use of vaccines against BTV, and v) possible control of the competent Culicoides vecors implicated in the spread of BTV.