Development of RT-PCR Assay for the De tection of Bluetongue Virus

Using primers complementary to the conserved sequence previously published of BTV genomic dsRNA segment 7,a part of the 5′end of segment 7 was synthesized and amplified by RT PCR method.We adapted this method to test on 12 blood samples suspected to be with BTV and the blood sample of a health sheep as a negative control.The results suggested that eleven of the twelve samples were positive,one was negative.In order to compare the sensitivity and reliability of RT PCR technique,Vero cells were used to isolate BTV from these suspected samples and the results will be a control.The study proved that RT PCR is a rapid,sensitive and precise method for detection and identification of bluetongue virus in clinical samples,animal quarantine and scientific research.