What is blue tongue disease and what are its symptoms?

A disease called “blue tongue” found in farm animals at a factory operating in the Efeler district of Aydın has caused great panic in the city. Due to the blue tongue disease, 28 districts of Aydin were quarantined. Bluetongue disease, which can be observed in cattle and sheep, has become one of the important items on the agenda. However, the question of whether a disease is contagious or affects people is also among the questions associated with the disease. Here’s what you need to know about bluetongue disease that has caused a lot of panic…

Blue tongue is a viral infectious disease that is especially common in ruminants, sheep and goats.

The causative agent of the disease is blood-sucking flies of the genus Culicoides. A pathogen called “bluetongue”, carried by these flies, causes a disease of the same name in farm animals. Animals bitten by these flies, which usually appear in humid and warm areas, become infected and sick with the fly virus.

28 districts have been quarantined due to blue tongue disease in the Efeler district of Aydın.

It was found that a small number of small ruminants were infected with bluetongue disease at an enterprise in the Baltakoy district of the Efeler district. For this reason, an area of ​​about 10 square kilometers has been quarantined by the provincial administration of agriculture and forestry. In this regard, the introduction of quarantine was launched in 28 districts of the Efeler district.

On the other hand, the animal market of the municipality of Efeler, which is also located in the Efeler district, has also ceased operations due to the quarantine. Vaccination research has been initiated in the region by the provincial administration of agriculture and forestry. It was also stated that the restrictions would be lifted once vaccination studies were completed.

What are the symptoms of blue tongue disease?

One of the most common symptoms of this disease, affecting certain types of cattle and sheep, is high fever. However, inflammation in the breast tissue, around the eyes and mouth, and in the genital area is one of the most common symptoms. In addition, due to the disease in many animals, skin rashes, increased oral and nasal secretions, blue tongue, weakness and loss of appetite can be observed. In addition, infected animals may have difficulty breathing and feeding. Symptoms of the disease can vary depending on factors such as viral load, breed of animal, and general health.

Is blue tongue disease contagious?

Short answer: no. There is no scientific evidence that the disease is transmitted from animal to animal. The disease is transmitted only through the bites of flies of the genus Culicoides. In this case, the question may come to mind why, due to the cases in Aydın, the application of quarantine was initiated.

The reason for the quarantine is to prevent the mass death of animals!

If the flies causing the disease are not eradicated, it is highly likely that the disease will continue. Because there is no known effective treatment for this disease. For this reason, it is essential to continue research into vaccination in a healthy way to control the disease.

Is the disease transmitted from animals to humans?

Fortunately, the answer to this question is no! The disease is not transmitted from animal to animal and is not transmitted from animal to human. In addition, according to scientific studies, eating products from sick animals does not carry the risk of disease. In other words, blueness does not pose any food safety hazard.

Source: 1