blue·tongue 'blü-.təŋ n a noncontagious virus disease esp. of sheep that is caused by a reovirus of the genus Orbivirus (species Bluetongue virus) transmitted by biting flies of the genus Culicoides and that is characterized by hyperemia and cyanosis and by swelling and sloughing of the mucous membranes esp. about the mouth and tongue called also soremuzzle
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blue·tongue (blooґtung″) a viral disease of sheep, cattle, goats, and wild ruminants, transmitted by biting flies of the genus Culicoides; the etiologic agent is an orbivirus. Characteristics include inflammation, ulceration, and necrosis of the tongue, lips, and dental pads, and fever.Medical dictionary. 2011.