Bluetongue virus protein VP7, molecular model. VP7 is a protein forming part of the coating of the bluetongue virus. This virus, transmitted by midges, causes bluetongue disease in ruminants (commonly sheep, and less frequently cattle, goats and deer). The disease causes high fever and swollen face and tongue. In this model, the solid colours represent the secondary structure of the protein (spiral ribbons are alpha helices; arrows are beta sheets), and the faded tubular structure behind represents the individual atoms and bonds.