Serological Evidence Indicates that Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O,C and SAT1 are most Dominant in Eritrea

Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Eritrea and in most parts of Africa. To be able to control FMD using vaccination, information on the occurrence of various foot‐and‐mouth disease serotypes in Eritrea is needed. In this cross‐sectional study, 212 sera samples were collected from FMD infected and recovered animals in Eritrea. These samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against FMD non‐structural proteins (NSP) and neutralizing antibodies against six of the seven (all but SAT 3) serotypes of FMD virus (FMDV). Of these, 67.0% tested positive to non‐structural protein antibodies in the FMD NS ELISA. By virus neutralization, FMDV serotype O antibodies were shown to be the most dominant (approximately 50%). Virus neutralization test results indicate that infection with serotype C and SAT 1 might have occurred, although there are no reports of isolation of these two serotypes. Because the samples were not randomly selected, further random serological surveillance in all age group animals is necessary both to estimate the prevalence of FMD in the country and to confirm the serological results with serotype C and SAT 1.     

Serological and molecular epidemiology of foot‐and‐mouth disease viruses in agro‐pastoralist livestock herds in the kachia grazing reserve,Nigeria

The Kachia Grazing Reserve (KGR) is located in Kaduna state in north‐western Nigeria and consists of 6 contiguous blocks housing 744 defined households (HH), all engaged in livestock keeping. It is considered as a homogenous epidemiological unit and a defined study area. In 2012, all cattle and sheep of 40 selected HH were sampled to determine sero‐prevalence of antibodies to foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV) and of FMDV. The overall sero‐prevalence of antibodies to the non‐structural 3ABC protein (NSP‐3ABC ELISA) was 28.9% (380/1,315) (30.6% cattle; 16.3% sheep), and in 4.5% (62/1,380) (5% cattle; 0.6% sheep) of the examined sera FMD viral RNA could be detected by real‐time RT‐PCR (rRT‐PCR). Additionally, in 2012 and 2014 serum, epithelium and probang samples were collected from cattle in reported FMD outbreaks and the causative FMDVs were molecularly characterized. Approximately half (28/59) of the outbreak sera reacted positive in NSP‐3ABC ELISA, and 88% (52/59) of the outbreak sera contained detectable viral RNA. Overall, antibodies against five FMDV serotypes (O, A, SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3) were detected by solid phase competitive ELISA with combinations of two or more serotypes being common. Of the 21 FMDVs that could be isolated 19 were sequenced and 18 were confirmed as SAT2 (lineage VII) while one was characterized as serotype O (EA‐3 topotype). Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between Nigerian FMDV strains and strains in this region and even with strains in North‐Africa. Our findings indicate that FMD constitutes an endemic health problem to cattle rearing in the agro‐pastoralist community in the KGR and that the KGR is not a closed epidemiological unit. Insight into the local FMDV epidemiology and in the circulating FMDV serotypes/strains is of support to the relevant authorities in Nigeria when considering the need for an FMD control policy to improve animal production in grazing reserves.     

Serotype Specificity of Antibodies against Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Virus in Cattle in Selected Districts in Uganda

Uganda had an unusually large number of foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in 2006, and all clinical reports were in cattle. A serological investigation was carried out to confirm circulating antibodies against foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV) by ELISA for antibodies against non‐structural proteins and structural proteins. Three hundred and forty‐nine cattle sera were collected from seven districts in Uganda, and 65% of these were found positive for antibodies against the non‐structural proteins of FMDV. A subset of these samples were analysed for serotype specificity of the identified antibodies. High prevalences of antibodies against non‐structural proteins and structural proteins of FMDV serotype O were demonstrated in herds with typical visible clinical signs of FMD, while prevalences were low in herds without clinical signs of FMD. Antibody titres were higher against serotype O than against serotypes SAT 1, SAT 2 and SAT 3 in the sera investigated for serotype‐specific antibodies. Only FMDV serotype O virus was isolated from one probang sample. This study shows that the majority of the FMD outbreaks in 2006 in the region studied were caused by FMDV serotype O; however, there was also evidence of antibodies to both SAT 1 and SAT 3 in one outbreak in a herd inside Queen Elizabeth national park area.     

Outbreak investigations and molecular characterization of foot‐and‐mouth disease viruses circulating in south‐west Niger

In Niger, the epidemiological situation regarding foot‐and‐mouth disease is unclear as many outbreaks are unreported. This study aimed (i) to identify Foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV ) strains currently circulating in cattle herds, and (ii) to identify risk factors associated with Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD )‐seropositive animals in clinical outbreaks. Epithelial tissues (n  = 25) and sera (n  = 227) were collected from cattle in eight districts of the south‐western part of Niger. Testing of clinical material revealed the presence of FMDV serotype O that was characterized within the O/WEST AFRICA topotype. The antigenic relationship between one of the FMDV isolates from Niger (O/NGR /4/2015) and three reference vaccine strains was determined by the two‐dimensional virus neutralization test (2dmVNT ), revealing a close antigenic match between the field isolate from Niger and three FMDV serotype O vaccine strains. Serological analyses using a non‐structural protein (NSP ) test provided evidence for previous FMDV infection in 70% (158/227) of the sera tested. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only the herd composition (presence of both cattle and small ruminants) was significantly associated with FMDV seropositivity as defined by NSP ‐positive results (p ‐value = .006). Of these positive sera, subsequent testing by liquid‐phase blocking ELISA (LPBE ) showed that 86% (136/158) were positive for one (or more) of four FMDV serotypes (A, O, Southern African Territories (SAT ) 1 and SAT 2). This study provides epidemiological information about FMD in the south‐western part of Niger and highlights the complex transboundary nature of FMD in Africa. These findings may help to develop effective control and preventive strategies for FMD in Niger as well, as other countries in West Africa.     

Antibodies Against Foot‐and‐mouth Disease (FMD) Virus in African Buffalos (Syncerus caffer) in Selected National Parks in Uganda (2001–2003)

In East Africa, the foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) virus (FMDV) isolates have over time included serotypes O, A, C, Southern African Territories (SAT) 1 and SAT 2, mainly from livestock. SAT 3 has only been isolated in a few cases and only in African buffalos (Syncerus caffer). To investigate the presence of antibodies against FMDV serotypes in wildlife in Uganda, serological studies were performed on buffalo serum samples collected between 2001 and 2003. Thirty‐eight samples from African buffalos collected from Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks were screened using Ceditest^® FMDV NS to detect antibodies against FMDV non‐structural proteins (NSP). The seroprevalence of antibodies against non‐structural proteins was 74%. To characterize FMDV antibodies, samples were selected and titrated using serotype‐specific solid phase blocking enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs). High titres of antibodies (≥1 : 160) against FMDV serotypes SAT 1, SAT 2 and SAT 3 were identified. This study suggests that African buffalos in the different national parks in Uganda may play an important role in the epidemiology of SAT serotypes of FMDV.     

Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Seroprevalence in Cattle in Eritrea

Information about seroprevalence of foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) and virus serotypes in Eritrea is unavailable, but is very important as it may guide the choice of intervention measures including vaccination to be implemented. We carried out a cross‐sectional study from February to June 2011 in Eritrea with a two‐stage cluster design, sampling cattle in 155 villages with the objective of determining the seroprevalence of FMD in four administrative regions of the country. We analysed cattle sera (n = 2429) for FMD virus antibodies using the non‐structural ELISA (NS ELISA) and virus neutralization test (VNT). The overall seroprevalence was 26% and 30% for the NS ELISA and VNT, respectively. FMD virus serotypes O (14%) and A (11%) were the most prevalent. Gash Barka showed the highest (39%) seroprevalence both in NS ELISA and VNT compared to the other three administrative regions. Strategic FMD virus vaccination with type O and A (matching circulating strains) in combination of zoo‐sanitary measures would be the best control option for Eritrea which could be started in areas where the disease is less endemic.     

Investigations into the Cause of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Virus Seropositive Small Ruminants in Cyprus During 2007

In 2007, serological evidence for foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) infection was found as a result of differential diagnostic testing of Cypriot sheep suspected to be infected with bluetongue or contagious ecthyma. Seropositive sheep and goats were subsequently uncovered on ten geographically clustered flocks, while cattle and pigs in neighbouring herds were all seronegative. These antibodies were specific for serotype‐O FMD virus, reacting with both structural and non‐structural (NS) FMD viral proteins. However, no FMD virus could be recovered from the seropositive flocks. FMD had not been recorded in Cyprus since 1964 and there has been no vaccination programme since 1984. Since all the seropositive animals were at least 3 years old and home‐bred, it was concluded that infection had occurred approximately 3 years previously had passed un‐noticed and died out spontaneously. It therefore appears that antibodies to FMD virus NS proteins can still be detected around 3 years after infection of small ruminants, but that virus carriers cannot be detected at this time. This unusual situation of finding evidence of historical infection in a FMD‐free country caused considerable disruption and alarm and posed questions about the definition of what constitutes a FMD outbreak.     

Characteristics of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Viral Strains Circulating at the Wildlife/livestock Interface of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area

Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) inflicts severe economic losses within infected countries and is arguably the most important trade‐restricting livestock disease in the world. In southern Africa, infected African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are the major reservoir of the South African Territories (SAT) types of the virus. With the progressive expansion of transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs), the risk of FMD outbreaks is expected to increase due to a higher probability of buffalo/livestock contacts. To investigate the dynamics of FMD within and around the Great Limpopo TFCA (GLTFCA), 5 herds of buffaloes were sampled in June 2010 to characterize circulating viruses in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Three SAT‐2 and three SAT‐3 viral strains were isolated in both countries, including one that was genetically linked with a recent SAT‐2 outbreak in Mozambique in 2011. In addition, two groups of unvaccinated cattle (n = 192) were serologically monitored for 1 year at the wildlife/livestock interface of Gonarezhou National Park (GNP) in Zimbabwe between April 2009 and January 2010, using the liquid‐phase blocking ELISA (LPBE) and a test for antibodies directed against non‐structural proteins (NSP). Neither clinical signs nor vaccination of cattle were reported during the study, yet a high proportion of the monitored cattle showed antibody responses against SAT‐3 and SAT‐1. Antibodies against NSP were also detected in 10% of the monitored cattle. The results of this study suggest that cattle grazing in areas adjacent to the GLTFCA can be infected by buffalo or other infected livestock and that cattle trade movements can act as efficient disseminators of FMD viruses to areas several hundred kilometres from the virus source. Current methods of surveillance of FMD at the GLTFCA interface seem insufficient to control for FMD emergence and dissemination and require urgent reassessment and regional coordination.     

Challenges for Serology‐Based Characterization of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Endemic Areas; Identification of Two Separate Lineages of Serotype O FMDV in Uganda in 2011

Control of foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) in Uganda by ring vaccination largely depends on costly trivalent vaccines, and use of monovalent vaccines could improve the cost effectiveness. This, however, requires application of highly specific diagnostic tests. This study investigated outbreaks of FMD in seven Ugandan districts, during 2011, using the PrioCHECK^® FMDV NS ELISA, solid‐phase blocking ELISAs (SPBEs) and virus neutralization tests (VNTs), together with virological analyses for characterization of the responsible viruses. Two hundred and eighteen (218) cattle and 23 goat sera as well as 82 oropharyngeal fluid/epithelial tissue samples were collected. Some 50% of the cattle and 17% of the goat sera were positive by the PrioCHECK^® FMDV NS ELISA, while SPBEs identified titres ≥80 for antibodies against serotype O FMD virus (FMDV) in 51% of the anti‐NSP positive cattle sera. However, 35% of the anti‐NSP positive cattle sera had SPBE titres ≥80 against multiple serotypes, primarily against serotypes O, SAT 1 and SAT 3. Comparison of SPBEs and VNTs for the detection of antibodies against serotypes O, SAT 1 and SAT 3 in 72 NSP positive cattle sera showed comparable results against serotype O (P = 0.181), while VNTs detected significantly fewer samples positive for antibodies against SAT 1 and SAT 3 than the SPBEs (P < 0.001). Detection of antibodies against serotype O was consistent with the isolation of serotype O FMDVs from 13 samples. Four of these viruses were sequenced and belonged to two distinct lineages within the East Africa‐2 (EA‐2) topotype, each differing from the currently used vaccine strain (EA‐1 topotype). The relationships of these lineages to other serotype O viruses in the Eastern Africa region are discussed. To enhance the control of FMD in Uganda, there is need to improve the specificity of the SAT‐SPBEs, perform vaccine matching and implement improved regional FMD control.     

Opportunities for enhanced surveillance of foot‐and‐mouth disease in endemic settings using milk samples

Under‐reporting of foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) masks the true prevalence in parts of the world where the disease is endemic. Laboratory testing for the detection of FMD virus (FMDV) is usually reliant upon the collection of vesicular epithelium and fluid samples that can only be collected from acutely infected animals, and therefore animals with sub‐clinical infection may not be identified. Milk is a non‐invasive sample type routinely collected from dairy farms that has been utilized for surveillance of a number of other diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the application of milk as an alternative sample type for FMDV detection and typing, and to evaluate milk as a novel approach for targeted surveillance of FMD in East Africa. FMDV RNA was detected in 73/190 (38%) individual milk samples collected from naturally infected cattle in northern Tanzania. Furthermore, typing information by lineage‐specific rRT‐PCR assays was obtained for 58% of positive samples, and corresponded with the virus types identified during outbreak investigations in the study area. The VP1‐coding sequence data obtained from milk samples corresponded with the sequence data generated from paired epithelial samples collected from the same animal. This study demonstrates that milk represents a potentially valuable sample type for FMDV surveillance and might be used to overcome some of the existing biases of traditional surveillance methods. However, it is recommended that care is taken during sample collection and testing to minimize the likelihood of cross‐contamination. Such approaches could strengthen FMDV surveillance capabilities in East Africa, both at the individual animal and herd level.     

Collection of Oral Fluids Using Cotton Ropes as a Sampling Method to Detect Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Virus Infection in Pigs

In high‐density farming practices, it is important to constantly monitor for infectious diseases, especially diseases that have the potential to spread rapidly between holdings. Pigs are known to amplify foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) by excreting large amounts of virus, and it is therefore important to detect the virus quickly and accurately to minimize the spread of disease. Ropes were used to collect oral fluid samples from pigs, and each sample was compared to saliva samples collected from individual animals by detecting FMD virus RNA using real‐time PCR. Two different experiments are described where groups of pigs were infected with different serotypes of FMD virus, either with or without vaccination, and unvaccinated pigs were kept in aerosol contact. The sensitivity of the rope sampling varied between 0.67 and 0.92, and the statistical agreement between this method and individual sampling ranged from substantial to moderate for the two different serotypes. The ease of collecting oral fluids using ropes together with the high sensitivity of subsequent FMD detection through PCR indicates that this could be a useful method to monitor pig populations for FMD virus infection. With further validation of the sensitivity of detection of FMD virus RNA, this can be a cost‐effective, non‐invasive diagnostic tool.     

Epidemiological Patterns of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Worldwide

Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease (FMD) is a clinical syndrome in animals due to FMD virus that exists in seven serotypes, whereby recovery from one sero‐type does not confer immunity against the other six. So when considering intervention strategies in endemic settings, it is important to take account of the characteristics of the different serotypes in different ecological systems. FMD serotypes are not uniformly distributed in the regions of the world where the disease still occurs. For example, the cumulative incidence of FMD serotypes show that six of the seven serotypes of FMD (O, A, C, SAT‐1, SAT‐2, SAT‐3) have occurred in Africa, while Asia contends with four sero‐types (O, A, C, Asia‐1), and South America with only three (O, A, C). Periodically there have been incursions of Types SAT‐1 and SAT‐2 from Africa into the Middle East. This paper describes the global dynamics for the seven sero‐types and attempts to define FMD epidemiological clusters in the different regions of the world. These have been described on a continent by continent basis. The review has reaffirmed that the movement of infected animals is the most important factor in the spread of FMD within the endemically infected regions. It also shows that the eco‐system based approach for defining the epidemiological patterns of FMD in endemic, which was originally described in South America, can apply readily to other parts of the world. It is proposed that any coordinated regional or global strategy for FMD control should be based on a sound epidemiological assessment of the incidence and distribution of FMD, identifying risk sources as either primary or secondary endemic eco‐systems.     

Status of Foot‐and‐mouth Disease in India

Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in India and causes severe economic loss. Status of FMD in the country for five fiscal years is presented. Outbreaks were more in number in 2007–2008 than 2010–2011. Three serotypes of FMD virus (O, A and Asia1) are prevalent. Serotype O was responsible for 80% of the confirmed outbreaks/cases, whereas Asia1 and A caused 12% and 8%, respectively. Geographical region‐wise assessment indicated varying prevalence rate in different regions viz; 43% in Eastern region, 31.5% in Southern region, 11.6% in North‐eastern region, 5% Central region, 4.4% Western region and 4% in Northern region. Highest number of outbreaks/cases was recorded in the month of September and lowest in June. Emergence and re‐emergence of different genotypes/lineages within the serotypes were evident in real‐time investigation carried out from time to time. Continues antigenic divergence in serotype A resulted in change in the vaccine strain in 2009. As on date, all genetic diversity within the serotypes is well tolerated by the vaccine strains. Unrestricted animal movements in the country play a major role in the spread of FMD.     

The Epidemiological Characteristics of the 2007 Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Epidemic in Sarpang and Zhemgang Districts of Bhutan

This study was undertaken to compare the epidemiological characteristics of the 2007 foot‐and‐mouth disease outbreak in two districts of Sarpang and Zhemgang in Bhutan. Zhemgang district recorded a significantly higher cumulative incidence in all species (26.9%) as well as for cattle (29.3%) compared to Sarpang (6.5% and 7.4%, respectively). The case fatality for cattle in Zhemgang (14.1%) was significantly higher than in Sarpang (3.3%). A total of 404 cattle and 73 pigs died of FMD in Zhemgang, whereas only 21 cattle died in Sarpang. Although all four species were affected in Sarpang, no sheep or goats were affected in Zhemgang. Spatiotemporal analyses showed the existence of four significant clusters, a primary one in Sarpang and three secondary clusters in Zhemgang. The virus belonged to the PanAsia strain of the Middle‐East South‐Asia topotype (O serotype), and the strain was closely related to the PanAsia strain that circulated in Bhutan during the 2003/2004 outbreaks. The severity of FMD infection in Zhemgang district could be attributed to low vaccination coverage (36.5% in 2006 when compared to 87.6% in Sarpang), inadequate biosecurity, poor nursing care of the sick animals and delayed reporting to the livestock centre. This study highlights the ability of the PanAsia strain of the O serotype to cause unprecedented morbidity and mortality, especially in a naïve population. The study also highlights the benefits of maintaining good herd immunity in the susceptible population, through adequate vaccination coverage, to minimize the severity of infection and limit the spread of disease from infected to non‐infected herds.     

Utilizing milk from pooling facilities as a novel approach for foot‐and‐mouth disease surveillance

This study investigated the potential of pooled milk as an alternative sample type for foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) surveillance. Real‐time RT‐PCR (rRT‐PCR) results of pooled milk samples collected weekly from five pooling facilities in Nakuru County, Kenya, were compared with half‐month reports of household‐level incidence of FMD. These periodic cross‐sectional surveys of smallholder farmers were powered to detect a threshold household‐level FMD incidence of 2.5% and collected information on trends in milk production and sales. FMD virus (FMDV) RNA was detected in 9/219 milk samples, and using a type‐specific rRT‐PCR, serotype SAT 1 was identified in 3/9 of these positive samples, concurrent with confirmed outbreaks in the study area. Four milk samples were FMDV RNA‐positive during the half‐months when at least one farmer reported FMD; that is, the household‐level clinical incidence was above a threshold of 2.5%. Additionally, some milk samples were FMDV RNA‐positive when there were no reports of FMD by farmers. These results indicate that the pooled milk surveillance system can detect FMD household‐level incidence at a 2.5% threshold when up to 26% of farmers contributed milk to pooling facilities, but perhaps even at lower levels of infection (i.e., below 2.5%), or when conventional disease reporting systems fail. Further studies are required to establish a more precise correlation with estimates of household‐level clinical incidence, to fully evaluate the reliability of this approach. However, this pilot study highlights the potential use of this non‐invasive, routinely collected, cost‐effective surveillance tool, to address some of the existing limitations of traditional surveillance methods.     

Review of the Global Distribution of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Virus from 2007 to 2014

Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) virus affects livestock worldwide. There are seven different serotypes, each with a diversity of topotypes, genetic lineages and strains. Some lineages have different properties that may contribute to sporadic spread beyond their recognized endemic areas. The objective of this study was to review the most significant FMD epidemiological events that took place worldwide between 2007 and 2014. Severe epidemics were caused by FMD virus (FMDV) lineage O/Asia/Mya‐98 in Japan and South Korea in 2010, both previously free of disease. In India, where FMD is endemic, the most important event was the re‐emergence of lineage O/ME‐SA/Ind‐2001 in 2008. Notably, this lineage, normally restricted to India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, was also found in Saudi Arabia and Libya in 2013 and has caused several outbreaks in Tunisia and Algeria in 2014–2015. In January 2011, FMDV‐positive wild boars were found in Bulgaria, where the disease last occurred in 1996, followed by 12 outbreaks in livestock infected with FMDV O/ME‐SA/PanAsia2. In 2012, FMDV SAT2 caused outbreaks in Egypt and the Palestinian Autonomous Territories. Another significant event was the emergence of FMDV Asia1 Sindh‐08 in the Middle East. In South America, one outbreak of FMDV serotype O, topotype Euro‐SA was reported in Paraguay in 2011, which was recognized as FMD‐free with vaccination at the time. Lessons learned from past events, point out the need for an integrated strategy that comprises coordinated global and regional efforts for FMDV control and surveillance. Specific local characteristics related to host, environment and virus that condition FMD occurrence should be carefully considered and incorporated to adapt appropriate strategies into local plans. In this review, we compiled relevant epidemiological FMD events to provide a global overview of the current situation. We further discussed current challenges present in different FMD areas.     

Horizontal transmission of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus O/JPN/2010 among different animal species by direct contact

Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) is highly contagious and easily transmitted among species of cloven‐hoofed animals. To investigate the transmission of FMD virus (FMDV) among different animal species, experimental infections using the O/JPN/2010 strain were performed in cows, goats and pigs. One cow or two goats/pigs were housed with a different species of inoculated animals, and clinical observations, virus shedding and antibody responses were analysed daily. Whilst all cows and goats were infected horizontally by contact with inoculated pigs, transmission from cows to goats/pigs and from goats to cows/pigs was not observed in all in‐contact animals. In particular, no pigs were infected horizontally by contact with inoculated goats. Comparison with our previous study on experimental infections among animals of the same species indicates that horizontal transmission occurred more easily between animals of the same species than between those of the different species. These findings will be useful for establishing and performing species‐specific countermeasures in farms and regions where multiple species of animals coexist in potential future outbreaks.     

Bluetongue virus serotype 27: Experimental infection of goats,sheep and cattle with three BTV‐27 variants reveal atypical characteristics and likely direct contact transmission BTV‐27 between goats

Bluetongue virus (BTV) hitherto consisted of 26 recognized serotypes, of which all except BTV‐26 are primarily transmitted by certain species of Culicoides biting midges. Three variants of an additional 27th bluetongue virus serotype (BTV‐27v01‐v03) were recently detected in asymptomatic goats in Corsica, France, 2014–2015. Molecular characterization revealed genetic differences between the three variants. Therefore, in vivo characteristics were investigated by experimental infection of a total of 15 goats, 11 sheep and 4 cattle with any one of the three variants in separated animal trials. In goat trials, BTV‐naïve animals of the same species were kept in a facility where direct contact was unhindered. Of the 15 inoculated goats, 13 and 14 animals were found positive for BTV‐RNA and antibodies (Ab), respectively, until the end of the experiments. Surprisingly, BTV‐Ab levels as measured with ELISA and neutralization test (SNT) were remarkably low in all seropositive goats. Virus isolation from whole‐blood was possible at the peak of viremia until 49 dpi. Moreover, detection of BTV‐27v02‐RNA and Ab in one contact goat indicated that—similar to BTV‐26—at least one of three BTV‐27 variants may be transmitted by contact between goats. In the field, BTV‐27 RNA can be detected up to 6 months in the whole‐blood of BTV‐27‐infected Corsican goats. In contrast, BTV RNA was not detected in the blood of cattle or sheep. In addition, BTV‐27 Abs were not detected in cattle and only a transient increase in Ab levels was observed in some sheep. None of the 30 animals showed obvious BT‐like clinical signs. In summary, the phenotypes observed for BTV‐27v01‐v03 phenotypes correspond to a mixture of characteristics known for BTV‐25 and 26.