Virological and werological wurvey on bluetongue disease in sheep in some parts of Iran

Bluetongue is an acute and subacute viral diseases of domestic and wild ruminants.This research was conducted to assess the disease status using serological diagnostic methods and virus isolation were performed. During the period 2003-2006, from sheep farms of 9 provinces including Markazi, Ardabil, Yazd, Qom, East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan, Qazvin, Isfahan and Golestan, Four handred thirty two samples collected in suspected sheep to disease. In first stage, by ELISA method, the antibody against bluetongue virus were found in two hundred eighty seven samples. For virus isolation, from samples of buffy coats, sixty five samples inoculated to embryonated SPF eggs and after virus propagation, re-inoculated into Vero and BHK cell cultures. In twenty two inoculated samples, the cell lesions was observed. With serum neutralization test confirmed. After titration the virus, preparation for observation under electron microscopy done, and, viral particles were found in 70x72nm. After injection the purified virus and whole the primary samples, sensitive sheep,the clinical signs seen. After obtaining blood samples from sheep infected, the all of the steps was again the results confirm there is bluetongue virus.