Changes

Jump to navigation Jump to search
51 bytes added ,  11:28, 20 August 2010
Line 3: Line 3:  
==Description==
 
==Description==
   −
Bluetongue is a non-contagious, arthropod-borne disease of ruminants, caused by bluetongue virus (BTV). Sheep are particularly badly affected, and often suffer a cyanotic tongue which lends the disease its name. The virus has been isolated from hosts worldwide (excluding Antartica)<sup>1</sup>, despite being initially recognised in Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries<sup>2</sup>. Although BTV's transmission and epidemiology is dependent on insect vectors, bluetongue greatly influences the global trade of ruminants as it is included on the Office International des Epizooties List A of animal diseases<sup>3</sup>. Originally thought to be a disease of tropical and sub-tropical regions, bluetongue has shown a propensity to become established in temperate areas, and in recent years has spread North, through the Mediterranean Basin, to become endemic in many European countries including the UK.
+
Bluetongue is a non-contagious, arthropod-borne disease of ruminants, caused by bluetongue virus (BTV). Sheep are particularly badly affected, and often suffer a cyanotic tongue which lends the disease its name. However, cattle are the main reservoir of disease. The virus has been isolated from hosts worldwide (excluding Antartica)<sup>1</sup>, despite being initially recognised in Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries<sup>2</sup>. Although BTV's transmission and epidemiology is dependent on insect vectors, bluetongue greatly influences the global trade of ruminants as it is included on the Office International des Epizooties List A of animal diseases<sup>3</sup>. Originally thought to be a disease of tropical and sub-tropical regions, bluetongue has shown a propensity to become established in temperate areas, and in recent years has spread North, through the Mediterranean Basin, to become endemic in many European countries including the UK.
    
==Aetiology==
 
==Aetiology==
6,502

edits

Navigation menu