Blue tongue Flashcards
1
Q
What is the cause and the vector of blue tongue virus?
A
- Double stranded Orbivirus – 24 known serotypes of the RNA virus
- Transmitted by Culicoides midges (particularly active in summer and fall)
2
Q
What is the incubation period for blue tongue virus?
A
Incubation period of 5-10 days
3
Q
What are the clinical signs seen in sheep with blue tongue virus (give 4)?
A
- Fever
- Vasculitis → oedema
- Oral lesions + mucopurulent discharge
- Respiratory signs (from oedema)
- Haemorrhages → muscle + potentially heart failure
- Coronitis + sore feet
- Abortion + teratogenic effects
4
Q
What are the teratogenic effects of blue tongue that are seen in cattle?
A
- Abortion
- Stillbirths
- Dummy lambs
- Bovine foetus – hydranencephaly, cataracts, arthrogryposis, early foetal deaths
5
Q
How is blue tongue typically diagnosed?
A
- Competitive ELISA, AGID, PCR
6
Q
What are some strategies that can be implemented from preventing the spread of blue-tongue?
A
- Control of vector
- Quarantine + restrict animal movement
- Live and attenuated vaccines exist
- Pregnant ewes shouldn’t be vaccinated
