Work

Bluetongue virus in carnivores: expanding the host range and implications for disease ecology

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Bluetongue (BT), caused by the Bluetongue virus (BTV), is a vector-borne disease that primarily affects domestic and wild ruminants and is recognized globally for its significant impact on animal health, livestock productivity, and the economy. While traditionally considered as a disease confined to ruminants, recent evidence reveals that BTV has a broader host range, expanding to atypical species, including carnivores. This review consolidates current knowledge on natural and experimental BTV infection in atypical hosts, with particular emphasis on carnivores. The occurrence of acute or subacute infections, together with the detection of BTV-specific antibodies and viral RNA in carnivores such as dogs and lynx, points to a broader ecological interface. Expanding our understanding of BTV infection beyond classical ruminant hosts is essential for refining surveillance and control strategies, and for anticipating shifts in disease ecology under changing environmental and epidemiological conditions.

Source: Veterinary Quarterly

DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2025.2588740

Authors: Aziz Ul-Rahman, Muhammad Zubair Shabbir, Jonas Johansson Wensman

Institutions: Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Swedish Veterinary Agency, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Vector-Borne Animal Diseases

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,533

Funder: Stiftelsen Lantbruksforskning