Structured epidemiological studies based on sentinel herds in Indonesia and Malaysia have provided much information regarding the bluetongue (BT) viruses (BTV) and their likely vectors in South-East Asia. Serotypes 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 12, 16, 21 and 23 have been isolated. Molecular analyses show all group within the Australasian topotype, with four genotypic sub-groupings identified to date. There are relationships to isolates from both India and Australia. Strains of BTV in South-East Asia do not appear to be highly virulent, since BT disease is not seen in local sheep. Known vector species identified include Culicoides fulvus, C. actoni, C. wadai and C. brevitarsis. C. imicola has not been identified in Malaysian or Indonesian studies. Molecular analyses indicate movement of South-East Asian strains of BTV into northern Australia, and the gradation in observations between India and eastern Australia regarding serotype, genotype, virulence and vector species suggests movement along a conceptual gradient through South-East Asia.
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