bluetongue

American  

[bloo-tuhng] / ˈbluˌtʌŋ /

noun

Veterinary Pathology.

1. a viral disease of sheep and sometimes cattle, transmitted by biting insects and characterized by high fever, excessive salivation, swelling of the face and tongue, and cyanosis of the tongue.

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bluetongue ¹ British  

/ ˌbluːˈtʌŋ /

noun

1. an Australian lizard, Tiliqua scincoides , having a cobalt-blue tongue

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bluetongue ² British  

/ ˌbluːˈtʌŋ /

noun

1. vet science a viral disease of domestic and wild ruminants transmitted by arthropods and characterized by reproductive problems or vasculitis. Sheep, which are most frequently affected, develop swelling of the face and a cyanotic tongue

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Etymology

Origin of bluetongue

First recorded in 1860–65; blue + tongue

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bluetongue

Farmers previously needed to wait for samples to be sent to a laboratory to confirm bluetongue but the government said vets would now be able to diagnose the disease after examining the animals.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

Mark Walter, who farms in Milton Damerel in north Devon, feared 40% of his lambs could be born stillborn or with disabilities because of bluetongue.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

Nevertheless, Fiona had her lamb examined by a vet and said her "heart sank" when a test for bluetongue came back positive.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026

Mallaghan said there was "a lot of fear" in the farming community with added pressure such as bluetongue and bird flu.

From BBC ● Dec. 24, 2025

Spread by midges, bluetongue poses no threat to the public or food safety but can affect cloven-hoofed animals like sheep and cattle.

From BBC ● Dec. 1, 2025

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