Bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease in Bison bison and Bison bonasus: current knowledge and future directions

Orbiviruses such as Bluetongue virus (BTV) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease virus (EHDV) represent a growing vector-borne threat at the wildlife-livestock interface and are directly relevant to One Health, bison management, and ecological resilience. These pathogens, transmitted by Culicoides midges, are increasingly influenced by climate and land-use change, leading to shifts in their geographic range, intensity of circulation, and strain diversity. As an ecologically, economically, and culturally significant species that spans the boundary between wildlife and livestock classifications, North American bison are uniquely positioned within this disease landscape. Yet, bison remain underrepresented in orbivirus surveillance and research. A literature review synthesizing what is known and what is still unknown about orbivirus epidemiology, host competence, serotype diversity, and immunological responses in bison gives a much-needed foundation in understanding bison health and its implications for broader ruminant disease dynamics. This work aligns directly with the goals of the special edition by advancing sustainable bison health management, supporting tribal and conservation herd resilience, and informing integrated vector-borne disease mitigation within a changing climate through a One Health lens.