Bluetongue virus vaccine and immunogenic compositions, methods of use and methods of producing same

A method of producing inactivated whole Bluetongue virus (BTV), the method comprising the steps of:

• a) treating the BTV with an inactivating agent using a 1:10 ratio of inactivating agent to BTV;
• b) homogenizing the inactivating agent/BTV mixture of step a) for at least 15 minutes;
• c) decanting the mixture of step b) into a sterile container and agitating the mixture for about 24 hours;
• d) treating the BTV a second time with an inactivating agent using a 1:20 ratio of inactivating agent to BTV;
• e) homogenizing the inactivating agent/BTV mixture of step d) for at least 15 minutes;
• f) decanting the mixture of step e) into a sterile container and agitating the mixture for about 48 hours;
• and
• g) neutralizing the inactivating agent to adjust the final pH to about 7.2;
• wherein the method results in inactivation of the BTV while maintaining the immunogenicity of the BTV.