Bluetongue virus (BTV) overview

Characteristics of pathogens

Bluetonge virus (BTV) belongs to the genus circovirus in the family Reoviridae. The virus particle is composed of an inner shell, outer shell and double-stranded RNA, and has a complex morphology and life cycle. There are multiple serotypes of BTV, and there is no cross-immunity between different serotypes. The virus can survive in dried blood and is resistant to diethyl ether, chloroform and 0.1% sodium deoxycholate, but it is inactivated in 3% formalin, 2% peracetic acid and 60℃.

Epidemic situation

Bluetongue is widely popular in the whole world, especially in subtropical and tropical regions, cause great economic losses to livestock. Whether medium and closely related to the life habits and distribution of insects, tend to occur in hot and humid summer and autumn.

Route of transmission

Bluetongue mainly through library midge and aedes mosquitoes blood sucking insect bites. The virus in the blood and semen of infected animals content is extremely high, and the main source for the spread of these animals are virus.

clinical signs and symptoms

Whether animal infection mainly characterized by high fever, lack of appetite, oral mucosal ulcer, salivate, shortness of breath, diarrhea, etc. Tongue turned purple, his sheep rumen appear dark red area, surface formation vacuoles degeneration and necrosis.

Pathological changes

Pathological changes are mainly seen in the oral cavity, nasal cavity, and gastrointestinal mucosa and are characterized by erosion, hemorrhage, and edema. Severe lung congestion, slightly swollen spleen and lymph node swelling, muscle haemorrhage, a clear liquid infiltration between muscle, rubber appearance.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, history of epidemiological and laboratory test results. Laboratory tests including serological tests, such as virus neutralization test and ELISA) and molecular biology detection (e.g., PCR and rt-pcr).

Prevention and control measures

There is currently no effective treatment. Sick sheep should strengthen nutrition, care, symptomatic treatment. Oral vinegar or 0.1% potassium permanganate solution can be used to rinse, and then 1% to 3% copper sulfate, 1% to 2% alum or iodine glycerin smear erosive surface. Prevention, recommended for vaccination, pesticide and insecticide, strengthen management and environmental health.

Summary

Bluetongue virus (whether) is a kind of important animal viruses, a complex life cycle and a variety of clinical symptoms. Virus is spread through certain insects media, pose a threat to global animal husbandry. There is no specific treatment, the key lies in strengthening the prevention and management. With the progress of science and technology, the research on whether also in unceasingly thorough, expect the future to have more control strategies and treatment methods.