This project was conducted to verify results published by United Kingdom researchers suggesting that bluetongue virus (BTV) could persist in the skin of infected sheep and subsequent midge feeding could then induce virus replication. This finding was proposed as a mechanism for the "over wintering" survival of BTV. These results raised concerns about the movement of sheep and cattle with antibodies to BTV and the possible reintroduction of international restrictions on movement of such animals. These experiments clearly showed that BTV does not persist in the skin of previously infected animals.

This project was conducted to verify results published by United Kingdom researchers suggesting that bluetongue virus (BTV) could persist in the skin of infected sheep and subsequent midge feeding could then induce virus replication. This finding was proposed as a mechanism for the "over wintering" survival of BTV. These results raised concerns about the movement of sheep and cattle with antibodies to BTV and the possible reintroduction of international restrictions on movement of such animals. These experiments clearly showed that BTV does not persist in the skin of previously infected animals.