Q. Is bluetongue transmitted to humans?
Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease to which all species of ruminants are susceptible, although sheep are most severely affected. It does not affect humans.
Q. How can you prevent the spread of bluetongue?
Vaccination is the best way to protect animals from the Bluetongue virus. You should discuss with your vet whether vaccination would benefit your business. You need to get a general licence to vaccinate your animals if they’re outside a restricted zone for bluetongue.
Q. What part of the body does bluetongue affect?
Affected animals may exhibit edema of the lips, tongue, throat, ears, and brisket. Other signs include excessive salivation and hyperemia or cyanosis of the oral mucosa, including the tongue (hence the name bluetongue).
Q. What type of virus is bluetongue?
Bluetongue is an infectious arthropod-borne viral disease primarily of domestic and wild ruminants. Infection with bluetongue virus (BTV) is common in a broad band across the world, which until recently stretched from ~35°S to 40°–50°N.
Q. What is fowl pox caused by?
The disease is caused by the avian pox virus, which is classified as at least three different strains or types, including the fowl pox virus (FPV) that affects chickens and turkeys; pigeon pox virus (PPV) that occurs in pigeons; and canary pox virus (CPV) that affects many different species of wild birds.
Q. How is the Bluetongue virus transmitted from person to person?
Bluetongue is an arthropod-borne non-contagious infectious disease of domestic and wild non-African ruminants. Under field conditions, the causative agent, bluetongue virus (BTV), is typically transmitted by Culicoidesspp. insects (biting midges) following a bite to consume a blood meal from susceptible animals.
Q. Are there any new strains of bluetongue virus?
During the 20th century, BTV was endemic in sub-tropical regions but in the last ten years, new strains of BTV (serotypes 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 16) have appeared in Europe leading to a devastating disease in naive sheep and bovine herds (serotype 8).
Q. How is the Bluetongue virus transmitted from sheep to cattle?
Bluetongue virus is transmitted by biting midges that are commonly found in the mud near water sources especially during droughts. This virus most commonly infects ruminants like sheep, deer, and cattle. Bluetongue virus is known for tissue necrosis, cyanotic mucous membranes and tongue, as well as hemorrhage.
Q. Is there a surveillance program for Bluetongue virus?
Currently, there is no coordinated surveillance for bluetongue virus in the U.S. to detect potential introductions of new virus serotypes or document their spread. Nor, are there Federal regulations specific to curbing spread of BTV in the U.S. cattle population.
