Bluetongue

What is bluetongue?

Bluetongue is a disease caused by the bluetongue virus. It affects ruminants, the cud-chewing animals. Sheep usually become the most ill, while cattle and buffaloes are often infected with few or no signs. Infected cattle can still carry the virus in their blood for a while, so midges can pick it up from them and pass it on.

The virus is spread by Culicoides, tiny biting midges that breed in wet, muddy places. It does not usually pass from animal to animal by contact. Cases are more common during and after the rainy season, when midges are plentiful. The name comes from the blue colour of the tongue seen in some badly affected sheep. Bluetongue does not infect people. If you suspect bluetongue, tell your veterinarian or the animal husbandry department.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Fever and dullness
• Drooling, with sores or crusts on the lips, gums or nose
• Swelling of the lips or face
• Lameness, with red, sore skin just above the hooves
• A drop in milk and weight loss
• Abortion, or weak or deformed calves

Not every animal shows every sign. Many infected cattle and buffaloes show none of these signs, so testing is often the only way to know.

Which lab tests help

Bluetongue Virus RT-PCR looks for the virus's genetic material (RNA) in a blood sample. It is commonly used to confirm a current or recent infection. In cattle, the result can stay positive for some time after the animal has recovered, so your vet reads it with the signs.

The Bluetongue Antibody ELISA shows whether an animal has been infected at some time. Antibodies last a long time, so the test is useful for herd checks and for testing animals before they are moved or bought, but it cannot say when the infection happened. Tell your vet if animals have been vaccinated.

Mouth sores, drooling and lameness can also be signs of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) or BVD, so your vet may add the FMD (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) Test - RT-PCR / ELISA or BVD Virus RT-PCR. FMD is a notifiable disease, and owners should tell their veterinarian or the animal husbandry department if they suspect it.

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the animal's signs and history. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if a cow or buffalo has fever, drooling, mouth sores, a swollen face or lameness. Because these signs can also mean FMD, an animal with mouth sores and lameness needs a vet the same day. Ask your vet about vaccination or prevention, including ways to reduce midges around sheds.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal. Blood samples are collected free anywhere in Bhopal. From other districts, samples can come through your local vet, by courier or by bus parcel; the lab coordinates by phone or WhatsApp on +91 88175 01118. Reports are shared on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.