Risk analysis of bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses in wild and domestic ungulates in Wyoming and a comparison of two bluetongue serotype 17 vaccines for potential use in Wyoming sheep

The closely related bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses (BTV and EHDV respectively) cause hemorrhagic disease (HD) in wild ruminants and can also produce disease in domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and sheep (Ovis aries). Both viruses cause infectious, noncontagious disease transmitted by Culicoides species biting midges. This study was designed to better understand the distribution of BTV and EHDV in pronghorn, mule deer, white-tailed deer and domestic sheep in Wyoming and the related geospatial and climatic risk factors for virus exposure. Serum samples were tested for antibodies which were used as indication of prior exposure. Risk models for each virus were generated based on geospatial and climatic variables significantly correlated with antibody presence. Another research project compared two BTV serotype 17 vaccines for potential use in Wyoming sheep. Both vaccines induce antibodies which lasted to one year and were detected in lambs born to vaccinated ewes.