30 May, 2025

ANEMBE 2025 Congress: A look back at the highlights of our symposium

On May 29th, during the XXVII International ANEMBE Congress on Bovine Medicine in Vitoria, Syva organized a scientific symposium focused on one of the major challenges in cattle health in Spain and Europe: vector-borne diseases and vaccination strategies to combat them.El 29 de mayo, con motivo del XXVII Congreso Internacional de ANEMBE de Medicina Bovina en Vitoria, Syva organizó un simposio científico centrado en uno de los grandes retos de la sanidad bovina en España y Europa: las enfermedades vectoriales y las estrategias de vacunación para hacerles frente.

We sincerely thank all the veterinarians and attendees for their active participation, as well as the speakers and moderator for the depth and clarity of their presentations.

What should we know about the epidemiology of bluetongue and EHD in ruminants in Spain?

Nacho García Bocanegra, Director of the Research Group on Animal Health and Zoonoses (ENZOEM) at the University of Córdoba, opened the session with a foundational presentation on the viruses responsible for bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), as well as on the insects that transmit them: Culicoides. These tiny dipterans differ from mosquitoes in several ways: only the females are vectors, their development is favored by organic matter and humidity, and their activity is mainly crepuscular. The activity period is concentrated between July and October.

He then reviewed the spatiotemporal evolution of these viruses in Spain since their emergence in 2003, highlighting the successive epidemic waves and how they have continued to spread. He also emphasized the crucial role of ruminants, both domestic and wild, as virus reservoirs depending on the viremia duration observed by species. All these findings are supported by studies conducted by the ENZOEM group.

How do bluetongue and EHD impact the reproductive and clinical health of ruminants?

From his field experience, Léonard Théron, CTO of RumExperts and former President of the Belgian Buiatrics Society, offered a very concrete analysis of the consequences of vector-borne epizootics in European cattle production. He drew on data from the “Objectif Lait” project, led by the Belgian Professional Veterinary Union (UPV), which includes a network of more than 1,250 rural veterinarians.

He highlighted the sharp increase in mortality recorded at the end of 2024, a trend that contrasts with previous years. Although cattle often show few clinical signs, the long-term reproductive consequences can be severe: abortions, fertility decline, and fetal malformations such as hydranencephaly. He also noted the role of cattle as silent reservoirs in the dissemination of BTV and EHDV, particularly to sheep, which are more susceptible. Vertical transmission of both viruses in cattle has also been confirmed, especially in pregnant females exposed during outbreaks.

Léonard made a call to adopt a more coordinated approach at the European level, based on adaptive vaccination plans designed according to regional risk, and grounded in collaboration among all stakeholders in the sector.

Subunit vaccine against EHD: a strategic approach to disease control (DIVA)
Laura Cueto Burdiel, R&D Researcher, presented the development of the new subunit vaccine against EHD, Syvac EH, developed by Syva. She explained the differences between conventional and subunit vaccines, highlighting the advantages of the latter for implementing DIVA strategies, which make it possible to differentiate vaccinated animals from infected ones — an essential tool for epidemiological control.

She reviewed the main clinical trials that demonstrated the efficacy, safety, and quality of the product, which led to its authorization for emergency use (Article 110.2). She also emphasized that this progress was made possible thanks to the teamwork of Syva’s R&D Department, thanking all the colleagues involved in the project.

A legacy of commitment that projects us into the future

The symposium was inaugurated by Javier Sanz Martín, Global Marketing Director at Syva, who began his speech with a highly symbolic historical image: a 1940s Ford van that already displayed the name and origin of the company — Suero y Vacuna. Through this reference, he reminded us that Syva’s commitment to prevention, animal health, and vaccine innovation is not recent, but rooted in its origins. Today, in the face of the growing threat of epizootics, this foundational mission makes more sense than ever and reflects the company’s determination to become a reference in the control of vector-borne diseases.

The moderation of the symposium was carried out by Raúl Martínez Fernández, veterinarian and Ruminants Technical Specialist at Syva, who led the session with clarity, dynamism, and approachability, facilitating exchanges between speakers and attendees.

To conclude, César Carnicer, CEO of Syva, took the floor to reaffirm the company’s commitment to veterinarians and farmers, emphasizing the importance of joining efforts in the face of the health challenges that threaten cattle production. He thanked the speakers, attendees, and teams who made the event possible, reiterating Syva’s commitment to continue building sustainable and effective solutions for animal health in Europe.

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