Blue tongue virus is a virus that affects sheep and other animals. It belongs to the reovirus family and the orbivirus genus. Blue tongue virus is one of the most common viruses that affects sheep.
Blue tongue virus has several names, including blue tongue, sheep blue tongue, blue virus, and blue reovirus. It has the ecological group arbovirus and the antigenic group B. The pathogenicity of blue tongue virus to humans is unknown.
Symptoms of blue tongue virus in sheep can include blue discoloration of the tongue, lips, gums and other parts of the body. Changes in animal behavior may also occur, such as decreased appetite, lethargy, and decreased productivity.
Treatment for blue tongue virus may include the use of antibiotics, antivirals, and immunostimulants. However, the most effective way to combat the virus is to vaccinate animals.