Bluetongue Disease Overview
Bluetongue is a viral disease transmitted by insects that infects all ruminant species. Sheep are the most severely impacted among them. The disease does not affect humans.
Transmission and Impact
The virus spreads primarily through biting midges of the Culicoides genus. Infected animals can experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including swelling, hemorrhages, and lameness, sometimes leading to death particularly in sheep.
Control Measures
Efforts to control bluetongue focus on monitoring insect vectors, restricting animal movements from infected areas, and vaccination campaigns where available. Preventing spread is essential to protect livestock health and minimize economic losses.
"Bluetongue can cause significant economic damage to farmers due to loss of animals and trade restrictions."
Regional Relevance
In Northern Ireland, ongoing surveillance helps detect the virus early and manage outbreaks promptly to safeguard the ruminant populations.
Bluetongue is a critically monitored insect-borne viral disease with serious effects on sheep, controlled through surveillance and animal movement restrictions.
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