Bluetongue.pptVIP

Bluetongue Lindsey Foard Trends and Issues in Ag Fall 2007 Overview Who may become infected? Sheep, White-tail deer, antelope Cattle, goats, elk Humans not susceptible Viral disease Spread by biting gnats (or midges) Animal to animal? Seasonal (summer/fall) Where is it found? Symptoms First signs (4-6 days after infection): Depression, heavy breathing/panting Fever Swelling (lips, nose, eyelids, face, throat, area, ears) 7-12 days after infection: Congestion of nose, nasal cavity, mouth, eyes Loss of wool Lameness Coronary bands of feet swell and turn dark blue/red (make walking difficult) Swelling of the tongue is common (some cases, may protrude from mouth) Because of damage to blood vessels and a lack of oxygen – The tongue turns a blue color (Bluetongue) History and Cases Fairly new to United States South Africa in 1800’s U.S. in 1950’s UK was hit hard this year 100 new cases of Bluetongue every day Closer to home… Outbreak of Bluetongue in South-Central Montana Early September 2007 Reported in Musselshell County near Melstone September 10 State Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Zaluski, authorized hold order on Musselshell County sheep Sheep Producers in the county not allowed to move their sheep “within or beyond their county lines until October 10” About 100 sheep had already died of Bluetongue already September 18 Lab results came back from Iowa – positive Had been reports of sick sheep in other counties State vet expanded the hold order to 15 other counties in the area ..cont October 3 – Hold order lifted Earlier than expected Already had hard frosts in central and eastern Montana Short fall days No need to delay… Fall market season Why Montana? Southern states.. Yes. Montana? Not normally.. Too cold up here What made this year different from other years? Incubation Period As described by MSU Extension Sheep Specialist, Rodney Kott, and Lisa Surber… The Incubation Period of the Virus in Gnats The time from when the gnats get the virus from an infected