Sheep are most severely affected, and can become very sick and die. Other ruminants (cattle, goats, dromedaries and wild ruminants) can be infected with the virus, but do not usually become sick. The virus is transmitted by certain species of midges, not by contact between ruminants. The disease does not pose a risk to human health, nor to the health of animals other than ruminants. (Dogs and cats cannot be affected by the disease).
- Causes of Bluetongue >
- Effects of Bluetongue >
- Diagnosis of Bluetongue >
- Medication/Vaccination for Bluetongue >
Causes of Bluetongue
Bluetongue is caused by the Orbivirus that is transmitted by the bite of certain midge species (culicoides). Ruminants cannot infect each other. The midge transfers the virus by biting first an infected and then an uninfected ruminant.
Effects of Bluetongue
The disease and the midges previously only occurred in warm climates between latitudes 40 degrees north and 35 degrees south. In Europe this included Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece. These countries have a regular incidence of bluetongue.
For example, there were outbreaks in Spain in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and in Portugal in 2004. However the carrier midges are now penetrating ever further northward, presumably as a result of climate change. Now these midge species have been found in the Netherlands, and the disease itself was confirmed here on 17 August 2006.
Diagnosis of Bluetongue
The most common symptoms in sheep are very high fever and general sickness. They also suffer inflammation of the mouth and tongue. The tongue goes blue, hence the name. The disease may result in lameness in sheep due to inflammation of the feet. The disease can prove fatal within eight to ten days. However, recovery is possible, although it may take a long time.
Medication/Vaccination for Bluetongue
Vaccination is under consideration as a viable strategy for the long term, and if the virus survives the winter again. The Dutch Ministry of agriculture is helping to develop a vaccine for the strain of the virus that affects Northern Europe. The Ministry is also working on a common vaccination strategy together with the sector and neighbouring countries.
Since May 2008 ruminants can be vaccinated against Bluetongue Type 8. There is no European vaccine available for Bluetongue Type 6. In South Africa there is a live vaccine available.
Bluetongue Type 1 was first noticed in Italy (2006) on the island of Sardinia. In 2007 it was also found in Spain and gradually moves north and was already found in Brittany in France. Vaccination against Type 1 is compulsory in France (+ against Type-8) and Spain.
Protective measures (European Commission): Click here
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