[Blue tongue. Update on the agent and the disease]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Animal Health

Context:

• Bluetongue (BT) is a significant viral disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants globally.
• The disease causes high mortality in sheep and can impact the reproductive capacity of cattle and goats.
• Transmission occurs via biting insects of the genus Culicoides, with prevalence influenced by climate.

Purpose:

• To detail the epizootiology and pathogenesis of Bluetongue virus.
• To highlight the differential impact of Bluetongue virus on various ruminant species.
• To underscore the role of insect vectors and climate in disease distribution.

Summary:

• Bluetongue virus causes severe illness and death in sheep, characterized by inflammation and hemorrhages.
• While less severe in cattle and goats, the virus can impair reproductive function, leading to economic losses.
• The spread of Bluetongue is intrinsically linked to the presence and activity of Culicoides midges, making climate a critical factor.

Impact:

• Understanding Bluetongue virus transmission and pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective control strategies.
• Economic losses associated with Bluetongue, particularly in sheep farming, necessitate ongoing research.
• The study contributes to the knowledge base for managing and mitigating the impact of this economically important animal disease.