Blue tongue is an insect-borne, viral, noncontagious disease that occurs in some areas of New Mexico. It is transmitted from infected animals to susceptible sheep by the bites of a small insect commonly referred to as a gnat. The disease normally occurs from midsummer until frost. Early symptoms usually include excessive salivation, reddening of the lips and mouth, and progressive darkening of the vascular areas of the mouth. Furthermore, the muzzle, lips, tongue, throat, and sometimes the ears and neck become swollen. Occasionally, sheep suffer from severe lameness as well. Not all signs of blue tongue appear in a single sheep or even in a single outbreak.
Best control methods involve controlling the gnat. Since this insect breeds in the mud along the edges of slow-moving streams or water tank overflow, try to eliminate these breeding sites. Breeding sites also can be sprayed with insecticides.
A modified live-virus type of vaccine is available, but it is estimated that six to seven different viruses cause blue tongue. Occasionally, the vaccine may cause a reaction that is nearly as bad as the disease itself.
Pregnant ewes, particularly in the first 50 days of gestation, should not be vaccinated. No satisfactory medical treatment has been found for animals with blue tongue. Generally, with proper care, most animals recover naturally within 14 days, although severely affected animals may recover more slowly. Isolate affected animals in a shaded area with palatable feed and fresh water. Antibiotics are of no value in the treatment of blue tongue, but they are helpful in preventing secondary infections.
