Bluetongue virus: Past, present, and future scope

Abstract

Bluetongue (BT), once considered a disease of sheep confined to the southern African region, has spread all over the world. BT is a viral disease caused by the bluetongue virus (BTV). BT is regarded as an economically important disease in ruminants of compulsory notification to OIE. BTV is transmitted by the bite of Culicoides species. Research over the years has led to a better understanding of the disease, the nature of the virus life cycle between ruminants and Culicoides species, and its distribution in different geographical regions. Advances have also been made in understanding the molecular structure and function of the virus, the biology of the Culicoides species, its ability to transmit the disease, and the persistence of the virus inside the Culicoides and the mammalian hosts. Global climate change has enabled the colonization of new habitats and the spread of the virus into additional species of the Culicoides vector. This review highlights some of the current findings on the status of BT in the world based on the latest research on disease aspects, virus-host-vector interactions, and the different diagnostic approaches and control strategies available for BTV.

Viral Diseases in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): New Insights and Perspectives

“…Bluetongue (BT) is a disease caused by a virus of the Reoviridae family, Orbivirus genus, and biologically transmitted by five species of Culicoides mosquitoes; others consider that at least 20 species may be vectors. Without these vectors, direct or indirect contact between animals does not transmit the virus [ 74 ]. The hosts are all domestic and wild ruminants: sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo, dromedaries, and deer, among others.…”

“…The distribution of BT is also associated with the distribution of Culicoides vectors. The BT virus can be introduced into new regions by importing infected animals; however, it will only survive if vectors are present [20,74]. BT is a clinical disease in Africa, the Middle East, India, China, the United States, Mexico, and southern Europe.…”

First molecular evidence of potential Culicoides vectors implicated in bluetongue virus transmission in Morocco

“…Bluetongue virus (BTV) belongs to the Orbivirus genus of the Reoviridae family, characterized by a double-stranded RNA genome with 10 segments coding for various proteins. Currently, at least 36 different BTV serotypes are circulating worldwide [ 2 – 4 ].…”

Reference Material Production and Milk Protein Concentration as Elements to Improve Bluetongue Serological Diagnosis in Bulk Tank Milk

“…The etiological agent, bluetongue virus (BTV), belongs to the Orbivirus genus and Sedoreoviridae family, with at least 29 antigenically distinct serotypes currently recognized [1][2][3], of which 1-24 are typical serotypes officially notifiable in the European Union [4]. Bluetongue infection can cause disease in livestock (sheep, goats, and cattle), including hemorrhagic fever, production losses, and death [5,6]. Bluetongue outbreaks cause severe economic losses due to the direct effects of the disease, trade restrictions, and the costs of surveillance and control measures [7,8].…”