What is the Difference Between Blue Tongue and EHD?

Blue Tongue (BT) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) are both viral diseases of the Reoviridae family, but they primarily affect different animal species. The key difference between the two is that BT primarily affects domestic animals such as sheep, cattle, and goats, while EHD primarily affects white-tailed deer. Both diseases have very similar symptoms and are transmitted by insect bites.

Some common symptoms of BT and EHD include:

• Drooling
• Runny nose
• Swollen muzzle
• A blue tongue due to lack of oxygen
• Lameness in one or more limbs

In sheep, cattle, and goats, BT can cause additional symptoms such as excessive salivation, nasal discharge, and bloody diarrhea. In white-tailed deer, EHD can lead to high fever, excessive salivation, and swelling of the facial area and tongue. Hemorrhage and lack of oxygen in the blood may result in a blue appearance of the oral mucosa, hence the name 'bluetongue'.

Humans are not susceptible to either BT or EHD viruses. However, it is recommended that hunters avoid shooting and consuming animals that are obviously sick. Insect control is the most effective way of preventing these diseases.

Comparative Table: Blue Tongue vs EHD

Bluetongue (BT) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) are vector-borne viral diseases caused by closely related orbiviruses that primarily affect ruminants, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and deer. Both diseases are transmitted by biting insects, including midges and gnats. Here is a table highlighting the differences between Bluetongue and EHD:

While EHD is often referred to as bluetongue, they are distinct diseases with similar symptoms. Both diseases can cause significant harm to affected animal populations, but EHD is considered more serious due to its potential for rapid transmission and high mortality rates.