Bluetongue Virus (BTV)

More suspected cases of Bluetongue Virus (BTV) have recently been detected in Northern Ireland, raising concerns about the spread of this vector-borne animal disease affecting livestock.

About Bluetongue Virus

The Bluetongue Virus (BTV) is responsible for causing bluetongue disease (BT), a severe haemorrhagic disease of ruminant animals.
It is an infectious but non-contagious disease, meaning it does not spread directly from animal to animal.

Bluetongue primarily affects domestic ruminants, including sheep, cattle, and goats, and can also infect wild ruminants such as buffalo, deer, antelope, and camels. Among domestic animals, sheep are the most severely affected.

BTV is found on all continents except Antarctica, indicating its wide geographical distribution.

Mode of Transmission

Bluetongue Virus is mainly transmitted through the bite of infected Culicoides midges, which are tiny blood-feeding insects commonly found on farms.

In some cases, certain strains of BTV can be transmitted vertically, from an infected mother to her fetus during pregnancy.

Human Health and Food Safety

Bluetongue Virus does not infect humans.
There are no food safety concerns, and meat and dairy products from infected animals are safe for human consumption.

Clinical Signs of Bluetongue Disease

Clinical symptoms are most commonly seen in sheep and occasionally in deer. The disease can be fatal in severe cases.

Key clinical signs include:

High fever ranging from 40°C to 42°C
Swelling of the lips, tongue, and head
Nasal discharge
Lameness
Reddening around the coronary band (top of the hoof)

In some animals, the tongue may appear swollen and bluish in colour, which gives the disease its name. However, this sign is not always present and should not be solely relied upon for diagnosis.

Impact on Livestock and Economy

Bluetongue disease can result in high morbidity and mortality rates in flocks and herds.
It adversely affects livestock productivity, including reduced milk yields, and can disrupt domestic and international trade due to movement restrictions.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no effective treatment for bluetongue disease. Management is mainly supportive and focused on vector control.

However, vaccines are available for certain strains of BTV and are used in Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe to control the disease.

Source: THE HINDU

Join Our Telegram

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

India–Azerbaijan

05 Apr, 26
SHARE

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, bo

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

04 Apr, 26
SHARE

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Tra

ADR Report on Political Funding

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to nationa

Maritime Chokepoints

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful o

US-Israel-Iran War

01 Apr, 26
SHARE

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escala