− | The pathogenesis of BTV infection has been shown to be similar in sheep and cattle, and is assumed to be similar in other species of ruminants<sup>7, 8, 9</sup>. However, the severity of disease varies greatly with species and cattle in particular express very few signs. | + | The pathogenesis of BTV infection has been shown to be similar in sheep and cattle, and is assumed to be similar in other species of ruminants<sup>8, 9, 10</sup>. However, the severity of disease varies greatly with species and cattle in particular express very few signs. |
− | When a BTV-infected midge takes a blood meal from a ruminant host, innoculated virus spreads from the skin to the regional lymph nodes. After initial replication in the lymph nodes, a cell-associated viraemia carries the virus to many tissues where further replication occurs in macrophages and endothelial cells. In the process of reproducing, bluetongue virus causes endothelial cell injury and necrosis<sup>9</sup> which can increase vascular permeability to cause oedema. Endothelial damage can also give thrombosis, leading to tissue infarction. In sheep and deer a consumptive coagulopathy may occur<sup>2</sup>. | + | When a BTV-infected midge takes a blood meal from a ruminant host, innoculated virus spreads from the skin to the regional lymph nodes. After initial replication in the lymph nodes, a cell-associated viraemia carries the virus to many tissues where further replication occurs in macrophages and endothelial cells. In the process of reproducing, bluetongue virus causes endothelial cell injury and necrosis<sup>10</sup> which can increase vascular permeability to cause oedema. Endothelial damage can also give thrombosis, leading to tissue infarction. In sheep and deer a consumptive coagulopathy may occur<sup>2</sup>. |