Genus: Orbivirus

Species: Bluetongue virus

Bluetongue virus has a dsRNA genome, consisting of 10 segments, totalling ~19200 base pairs. It is transmitted by biting Culicoides midges and causes disease in ruminants. Clinical signs of the disease include fever, inflammation and ulceration of the mucous linings of the mouth and nose, and lameness. Mortality rates vary between outbreaks but can be up to 30% in susceptible animals.

There are currently 24 recognised serotypes of the virus, with a tentative 25th being detected in goats. Serotype is determined by the outer capsid protein VP2 and to a lesser extent VP5. Bluetongue virus is of economic importance, with worldwide farming losses due to the disease being several billion dollars per year.

In collaboration with Professor Peter Mertens and Dr Sushila Maan (Institute for Animal Health, Pirbright) we are working on whole genome sequencing of European isolates of BTV using Roche/454 technology.

We are also working with Professor Massimo Palmarini, and Dr Marco Caporale (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow) to sequence and compare whole genomes of wild type and vaccine strains of BTV.

These sequencing projects are funded by the Wellcome Trust.