Phylogeography, transmission dynamics and pathogenesis of bluetongue

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In this ambitious programme, we have assembled a group of researchers with complementary expertise in the biology of bluetongue, molecular virology, virus pathogenesis, virus genomics, virus ecology, mathematical modelling and metereology in order to provide a multifaceted and holistic approach to understanding key aspects of BTV biology, transmission dynamics and pathogenesis. In preparation for this programme, we have established a high throughput BTV sequencing pipeline involving the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and we will make use of the extensive BTV sample collection kept at IAH and in the Institutions of our collaborators (more than 1000 virus isolates and 4000 blood samples). We have quickly adopted the reverse genetics technology recently described by Boyce et al (10) for BTV that will allow us to genetically manipulate this virus and link genetic variation to specific virus phenotypes. Thus, collectively, we now have the expertise, technology, facilities and enthusiasm to embark on this timely research programme.

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