30/03/2020
Disease control and management of Sheep and Goat.
Blue tongue (BT)
ABOUT THIS DISEASE
This is acute infectious but not contagious disease of sheep characterized by fever, inflammation and ulceration of buccal mucosa and tongue.
This disease mostly affects sheep and goat and cattle are very rarely affected.
Blue tongue is endemic in India.
It is basically a disease of sheep and young sheep within the age group of one year are more prone to infection.
Suckling lambs are relatively resistant due to their acquired passive immunity through colostrum.
The disease occurs mainly during the rainy season particularly in the months of October, November and December.
CAUSES
It is caused by Arthropod-borne orbi virus in the family of Reoviridae.
Biting insect of the genus of the Culicoides transmits the virus during the rainy season while blood sucking.
Mosquitoes and other ectoparasites like sheep ked, Melophagus ovinusmay transmit the disease mechanically.
The disease is more prevalent in late summer and early autumn which makes conducive environment for the multiplication of the vectors.
Transmission through semen and placental route is possible.
The virus is resistant to decomposition, desiccation and against antiseptic agents.
Clinical symptoms
FEVER
Depressed attitude and off feed. Reddening and swelling of nose and oral mucosa, Profuse nasal and oral discharge, Inflammation and ulceration of lips, gums, buccal mucosa and tongue,
Cyanotic (bluish) appearance of tongue,
Tilting of neck towards one side (wry neck)
Lameness, reddening and swelling of coronary band of the limbs.
Congestion of conjunctival mucous membranes and matting of eyelids,
Foul smelling diarrhoea.
Dyspnoea, snoring and Pneumonia may be observed.
Death due to respiratory failure.
SUGGESTED FIRST AID.
Separation of sick animals should be made.
Affected animals should be kept away from solar exposure.
Adequate rest to the affected animal.
Affected animals should be fed with porridge made of rice, ragi and kambu.
Apply glycerin or animal fat on the ulcers.
Immediate consultation should be made to the nearest qualified veterinary doctor for treatment.
Animals should not be allowed for grazing.
Ulcers in the mouth can be treated with saline water or dissolve 1g of
Potassium permanganate in 1 liter of water and wash the mouth 2 to 3 times a day with this solution.
Contact your nearest Veterinary Assistant Surgeons for further advice regarding the antibiotic administration or symptomatic treatment to be given to the affected sheep.
Contact nearest Veterinary Assistant Surgeons for ring vaccination in the event of outbreak of disease.
General prevention and control measures
Proper Vaccination of animals with regular intervals.
Vaccination schedule:
First vaccination at
Next vaccination at
Month of vaccination
Dose
3 months of age
Once in a year
Attempt should be made to control the vector (culicoides) population with fly repellants.
Use of ectoparasiticides injections should be suggested in the areas more prone to vector population.
Grazing of the animals should be avoided in areas where there is lot of vectors.
Cattle may act as carrier. Viraemic stage remains in them for more than 5 weeks. So movements of cattle should be restricted.
Importation of animals from the areas prevailing the disease should be avoided.
Strict regulation is to be followed to prevent entry of diseased animals from endemic zones.
The spread of the disease can be controlled by the use of insect repellents, external application of fly repellents and spraying of butox (1ml in 1 liter of water) in the breeding places of the insects.
The sheep can be housed in insect proof sheds.
Cloud of smoke with dried leaves / wood during 6 - 8 P.M. might help to keep off Culicoides from sheep sheds.
