Blue tongue in Wiltshire-horn sheep
Bida, S.A.; Njoku, C.O.; Zaria, A.B.; Eid, F.I.
Veterinary Record 97(25-26): 496
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 173073 Document Number: 82928
Out of 30 Wiltshire-horn sheep imported into Nigeria in January, 1973, 13 died in May. Symptoms included a fever lasting 4-5 days, skin discolouration, lacrimation, serous nasal discharge, oedema of the face, haemorrhage of the mucous membranes in mouth, tongue and nose, flushing of the feet, fluid rales, dyspnoea, lameness, weakness or stiffness, anorexia, blood-stained diarrhoea, anaemia, emaciation and finally prostration. Morbidity and mortality rates were 70% and 43% respectively. Other breeds were not affected. Type 10 bluetongue virus was isolated from serum samples, and a secondary pasteurella infection was commonly found in the lungs. Since the sheep must have contracted the disease in Nigeria, the other breeds of sheep at Kotorkoshi might be carriers, and appear to be immune.