The value of camels as sentinels for bluetongue virus in Morocco

A serosurvey was conducted to determine the value of camels (Camelus dromedaries) as sentinel animals for the detection of bluetongue virus (BTV) in Morocco. Between 2010 and 2013, camels from various localities in Morocco were randomly tested for antibodies against BTV serotypes‑1, ‑4, ‑6, ‑8, ‑11, ‑14, and ‑16. Antibodies against 1 or more serotypes were detected in 41.8% of 537 camels tested with a competitive enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) diagnostic test. Of the 7 tested serotypes, only BTV‑11 antibodies were not detected with serum neutralisation assays. This study not only confirms the epidemiological presence of BTV‑1, ‑4, and ‑8 in Morocco, but also presents the first evidence of BTV‑6, ‑14, and ‑16 in the country. As such, we conclude that camels would be ideal sentinel animals to determine the potential risk of BTV in Morocco.