A Review of Bovine Bluetongue

Abstract

Bluetongue (BT) is an insect-transmitted, virus disease of domestic and wild ruminants. The disease was first described in South Africa, but has subsequently been recognized in a number of other countries, including the United States. 1,2 The best means of controlling infection in cattle is through control of the culicoides vector. This can be accomplished by frequent application of larvicides to water sources such as ponds, lagoons, etc. Variation oflagoon or pond water levels at weekly intervals will reduce the breeding sites of the culicoides. Application of insecticides at weekly intervals to cattle may reduce an insect population sufficiently so that the infection rate is reduced.