Financial Evaluation of Different Vaccination Strategies for Controlling the Bluetongue Virus Serotype 8 Epidemic in the Netherlands in 2008
2011

Financial Evaluation of Vaccination Strategies for Bluetongue Virus Control in the Netherlands

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Annet G. J. Velthuis, Monique C. M. Mourits, Helmut W. Saatkamp, Aline A. de Koeijer, Armin R. W. Elbers

Primary Institution: Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands

Hypothesis

This study aimed to rank eight vaccination strategies based on their efficiency for controlling the bluetongue virus serotype 8 epidemic in 2008.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that a financial analysis differentiates between vaccination strategies and indicates important decision rules based on efficiency.

Supporting Evidence

  • Vaccination strategies were ranked based on their benefit-cost ratios.
  • Strategies F and C were identified as the most efficient based on economic criteria.
  • The study included a comprehensive financial analysis of the vaccination strategies.

Takeaway

The study looked at different ways to vaccinate animals to stop a disease called bluetongue, and found that some methods are better and cheaper than others.

Methodology

An economic model was developed to evaluate the efficiency of eight vaccination strategies based on costs and benefits.

Potential Biases

Potential biases in the assumptions regarding the effectiveness of vaccination and the epidemiological data used.

Limitations

The study's assumptions about infection rates and the impact of vaccination may lead to overestimations of benefits.

Participant Demographics

The study included the Dutch professional cattle, sheep, and goat sectors, as well as hobby farms.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0019612

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