Bluetongue, or catarrhal fever, is caused by a double-stranded RNA virus of the genus Orbivirus and family Reoviridae. It is a noncontagious disease transmitted by insects to wild and domesticated ruminants, especially sheep.

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), a member of the genus Orbivirus, produces similar symptoms. Differential diagnosis is important to prevent widespread outbreak and economic loss. The ELISA method accurately detects antibodies specific to BTV, without cross-reactivity between the serogroups of BTV and EHDV.

The Kernel Bluetongue Competition Ab Test detects antibodies specific to the bluetongue virus (BTV) in individual sheep, goat and cattle sera.