bluetongued

Bluetongued refers to a condition affecting animals, most commonly known in sheep and certain species of lizards. In sheep, bluetongue is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges. It causes fever, swelling of the tongue, lips, ears, and snout, and can lead to lameness and death. The tongue itself may appear bluish or purplish, hence the name. Bluetongue outbreaks can have significant economic impacts on the livestock industry due to animal mortality and trade restrictions. Prevention strategies often involve vector control and vaccination programs.

In lizards, particularly the Tiliqua genus of skinks, "bluetongued" refers to the distinctive blue or purple coloration of their tongues. This is a normal and healthy characteristic of these reptiles and is not indicative of disease. The brightly colored tongue is believed to serve as a defense mechanism, used to startle potential predators when the lizard opens its mouth. This coloration is not a sign of illness and is simply a natural trait of the species.