Abstract
Bluetongue (BT) is a non-contagious viral disease transmitted by arthropods that affects domestic and wild ruminants, in addition to camelids. The etiological agent, Bluetongue virus (BTV); is found on all continents except Antarctica, with multiple serotypes and strains leading to diverse clinical manifestations and complex epidemiology. BT disease is a big threat for the livestock sector in Uganda. It is transmitted by Culicoides midges that act as vectors for various viruses in livestock. Uganda has an abundancy of moist environments like wetlands, marshy lands and near water bodies. These habitats favor the breeding of midges. BTV primarily causes subclinical infections in local goats and cattle but poses a severe, underreported threat to local sheep flocks, wild ruminants, and the nation’s livestock industry. There is limited information available about the BT epidemiology in cattle and small ruminants in Uganda. Studies about the genus Culicoides biting midges in Uganda are scarce indicating no comprehensive studies conducted on this topic. The present paper aims to review the epidemiology of the bluetongue virus (BTV) and to identify the potential risk factors associated with BTV in cattle and small ruminants of Uganda. It is recommended to perform further in-depth epidemiological studies of BTV infection in camels and other ruminant species for developing control strategies of the disease in Uganda. Virological studies to determine serotypes, virulence, transmission mechanisms and immune responses. These studies identify specific viral proteins (like VP2 and VP7) and analyze how the virus replicates, evades immune systems, and spreads via Culicoides midges. Additionally, studies to determine the BTV strains and serotypes circulating in Uganda; and entomological studies to determine the competent vectors endemic in Uganda.

Key words: Key words: Ruminants; Camels; Culicoides; Biting midges; Bluetongue virus; Uganda