What disease is transmitted by certain biting midges and affects livestock?

Blue tongue disease is a viral infection transmitted primarily by certain species of biting midges, notably those from the genus Culicoides. This disease primarily affects livestock, particularly sheep, but can also impact other ruminants. The disease is characterized by fever, swelling of the face and tongue, and various metabolic disturbances that can result in significant economic losses in affected herds.

The transmission occurs when the biting midge feeds on an infected animal and then bites a healthy one, spreading the virus. This mode of transmission makes understanding the ecology of the biting midge essential for managing and preventing outbreaks of blue tongue disease in livestock populations.