
New Tests Quickly Diagnose Bluetongue,
Related DiseasesBy Kathryn Barry
Stelljes July 29, 1999New laboratory tests will allow
scientists, regulators and livestock producers to quickly identify animals with
bluetongue or epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). ARS scientists in Laramie, Wyo., have
developed the first single genetic test that distinguishes all five types of
the virus that causes bluetongue in the U.S. Theyve also developed rapid
tests that distinguish bluetongue from EHD. Bluetongue, so named because it can cause a loss of oxygen and a blue tinge
to the tongue, affects sheep, goats, deer, elk and antelope. Cattle can carry
the virus, usually without becoming ill. Worldwide, there are 24 strains of
bluetongue virus. Countries without bluetongue strictly regulate import and
export of livestock and related products, costing U.S. producers about $125
million annually. Previous tests were not always definitive, requiring additional testing. The
new test, developed by ARS microbiologist William C. Wilson, reduces the time
it takes to identify the virus type from several days to a single day. All
official bluetongue testing in the U.S. is performed at the USDAs
National Veterinary
Service Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, and the lab has incorporated
Wilsons test into its procedures. Wilson and ARS microbiologist James O. Mecham also developed tests that
identify the two types of EHD present in the U.S. and distinguish them from
bluetongue viruses. Both scientists work at ARS
Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases
Research Laboratory in Laramie. EHD can cause a bluetongue-like disease in cattle and is often fatal to
white-tailed deer. Correctly identifying which virus an animal harbors is
important for trade purposes. There is no cure for either bluetongue or EHD. ARS is USDA's chief scientific research
agency. A detailed story on the research appears in the agency's July Agricultural Research magazine
and on the Internet at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jul99/blue0799.htm Scientific contact: William C. Wilsonor James O.
Mecham, ARS Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratory, Laramie,
Wyo., phone (307) 766-3600, fax (307) 766-3500,
[email protected] (Wilson)
[email protected] (Mecham). U.S. Department of Agriculture | |