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González MA, Bravo-Barriga D, López-Mercadal J, Miranda MÁ, Gutiérrez-López R, Barceló C. First report of Culicoides caucoliberensis in Spain: Exploring molecular phylogeny, host-feeding behaviour and avian haemosporidian parasites. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:871-877. [PMID: 37458405 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of pathogens that affect wildlife and livestock. Understanding the composition and distribution of vector species is crucial for implementing control strategies and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This study provides a morphological and molecular characterisation of Culicoides caucoliberensis, which represents the first record for Spain, increasing the number of Culicoides species in the country to 85. A total of 213 specimens were collected using Onderstepoort-ultraviolet down-draught light traps on a rocky coastline in the Balearic Islands during two sampling periods in 2022. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. caucoliberensis forms a monophyletic cluster within the Maritimus group. Host preferences were determined for the first time and showed propensity to feed on the European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis). The vector role of C. caucoliberensis for haemosporidian transmission remains unclear since molecular detection of Haemosporidians (Haemoproteus and Plasmodium) was negative for all the pools of parous and engorged females analysed. This study emphasises the importance of conducting entomofauna studies in lesser-known Mediterranean islet landscapes and highlights the need for research on vectors within the One Health framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikel A González
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Biological Station of Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Faculty of Veterinary, Department of Animal Health, Parasitology, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Júlia López-Mercadal
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Miranda
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Rafael Gutiérrez-López
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Animal Health Research Center, National Food and Agriculture Research and Technology Institute (INIA-CISA-CSIC), Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Carlos Barceló
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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Anjos CC, Bicudo T, Fecchio A, Anciães M, Mathias BS, Chagas CRF, Bell JA, Guimarães LO, Monteiro EF, Kirchgatter K. Prevalence and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in islands within a mega hydroelectric dam in the Brazilian Amazon. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2065-2077. [PMID: 37391644 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07906-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The Brazilian Amazon supports an extremely diverse avifauna and serves as the diversification center for avian malaria parasites in South America. Construction of hydroelectric dams can drive biodiversity loss by creating islands incapable of sustaining the bird communities found in intact forest sites. Besides anthropogenic actions, the presence of parasites can also influence the dynamics and structure of bird communities. Avian malaria (Plasmodium) and related haemosporidian parasites (Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) are a globally distributed group of protozoan parasites recovered from all major bird groups. However, no study to date has analyzed the presence of avian haemosporidian parasites in fragmented areas such as land bridge islands formed during artificial flooding following the construction of hydroelectric dams. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and molecular diversity of haemosporidians in bird communities inhabiting artificial islands in the area of the Balbina Hydroelectric Dam. The reservoir area covers 443,700 ha with 3546 islands on the left bank of the Uatumã River known to contain more than 400 bird species. We surveyed haemosporidian infections in blood samples collected from 445 understory birds, belonging to 53 species, 24 families, and 8 orders. Passeriformes represented 95.5% of all analyzed samples. We found a low overall Plasmodium prevalence (2.9%), with 13 positive samples (two Plasmodium elongatum and 11 Plasmodium sp.) belonging to eight lineages. Six of these lineages were previously recorded in the Amazon, whereas two of them are new. Hypocnemis cantator, the Guianan Warbling Antbird, represented 38.5% of all infected individuals, even though it represents only 5.6% of the sampled individuals. Since comparison with Plasmodium prevalence data prior to construction of Balbina is not possible, other studies in artificially flooded areas are imperative to test if anthropogenic flooding may disrupt vector-parasite relationships leading to low Plasmodium prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina C Anjos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Thiago Bicudo
- Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, Tefé, AM, 69553-225, Brazil
| | - Alan Fecchio
- Centro de Investigación Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica (CIEMEP), CONICET - Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Marina Anciães
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Coordenação de Biodiversidade, Manaus, AM, 69081-000, Brazil
| | - Bruno S Mathias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | - Jeffrey A Bell
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, 10 Cornell Street, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA
| | - Lilian O Guimarães
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto Pasteur, São Paulo, SP, 01027-000, Brazil
| | - Eliana F Monteiro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto Pasteur, São Paulo, SP, 01027-000, Brazil
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto Pasteur, São Paulo, SP, 01027-000, Brazil.
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Barceló C, Searle KR, Estrada R, Lucientes J, Miranda MÁ, Purse BV. The use of path analysis to determine effects of environmental factors on the adult seasonality of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) vector species in Spain. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 113:402-411. [PMID: 36908249 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485323000068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are the main vectors of livestock diseases such as bluetongue (BT) which mainly affect sheep and cattle. In Spain, bluetongue virus (BTV) is transmitted by several Culicoides taxa, including Culicoides imicola, Obsoletus complex, Culicoides newsteadi and Culicoides pulicaris that vary in seasonality and distribution, affecting the distribution and dynamics of BT outbreaks. Path analysis is useful for separating direct and indirect, biotic and abiotic determinants of species' population performance and is ideal for understanding the sensitivity of adult Culicoides dynamics to multiple environmental drivers. Start, end of season and length of overwintering of adult Culicoides were analysed across 329 sites in Spain sampled from 2005 to 2010 during the National Entomosurveillance Program for BTV with path analysis, to determine the direct and indirect effects of land use, climate and host factor variables. Culicoides taxa had species-specific responses to environmental variables. While the seasonality of adult C. imicola was strongly affected by topography, temperature, cover of agro-forestry and sclerophyllous vegetation, rainfall, livestock density, photoperiod in autumn and the abundance of Culicoides females, Obsoletus complex species seasonality was affected by land-use variables such as cover of natural grassland and broad-leaved forest. Culicoides female abundance was the most explanatory variable for the seasonality of C. newsteadi, while C. pulicaris showed that temperature during winter and the photoperiod in November had a strong effect on the start of the season and the length of overwinter period of this species. These results indicate that the seasonal vector-free period (SVFP) in Spain will vary between competent vector taxa and geographic locations, dependent on the different responses of each taxa to environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Barceló
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Research Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Kate R Searle
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, EH26 0QB Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rosa Estrada
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Miguel Á Miranda
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Research Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Bethan V Purse
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK
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Marsella R, White S, Fadok VA, Wilson D, Mueller R, Outerbridge C, Rosenkrantz W. Equine allergic skin diseases: Clinical consensus guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology. Vet Dermatol 2023; 34:175-208. [PMID: 37154488 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic skin diseases are common in horses worldwide. The most common causes are insect bites and environmental allergens. OBJECTIVES To review the current literature and provide consensus on pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors reviewed the literature up to November 2022. Results were presented at North America Veterinary Dermatology Forum (2021) and European Veterinary Dermatology Congress (2021). The report was available to member organisations of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology for feedback. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is the best characterised allergic skin disease. An immunoglobulin (Ig)E response against Culicoides salivary antigens is widely documented. Genetics and environmental factors play important roles. Tests with high sensitivity and specificity are lacking, and diagnosis of IBH is based on clinical signs, seasonality and response to insect control. Eosinophils, interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-31 are explored as therapeutic targets. Presently, the most effective treatment is insect avoidance. Existing evidence does not support allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) using commercially available extracts of Culicoides. Hypersensitivity to environmental allergens (atopic dermatitis) is the next most common allergy. A role for IgE is supported by serological investigation, skin test studies and positive response to ASIT. Prospective, controlled, randomised studies are limited, and treatment relies largely on glucocorticoids, antihistamines and ASIT based on retrospective studies. Foods are known triggers for urticaria, yet their role in pruritic dermatitis is unknown. Recurrent urticaria is common in horses, yet our understanding is limited and focussed on IgE and T-helper 2 cell response. Prospective, controlled studies on treatments for urticaria are lacking. Glucocorticoids and antihistamines are primary reported treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Marsella
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - S White
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - V A Fadok
- Zoetis, US PET CARE, Bellaire, Texas, USA
| | - D Wilson
- School of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - R Mueller
- Medizinische Keleintierklinik, Zentrum für klinische Tiermedizin, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - C Outerbridge
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Stokes JE, Carpenter S, Sanders C, Gubbins S. Emergence dynamics of adult Culicoides biting midges at two farms in south-east England. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:251. [PMID: 35820957 PMCID: PMC9277857 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are biological vectors of livestock arboviruses that cause diseases with significant economic, social and welfare impacts. Within temperate regions, livestock movement during arbovirus outbreaks can be facilitated by declaring a ‘seasonal vector-free period’ (SVFP) during winter when adult Culicoides are not active. In this study we carry out long-term monitoring of Culicoides adult emergence from larval development habitats at two farms in the UK to validate current definitions of the SVFP and to provide novel bionomic data for known vector species. Methods Standard emergence traps were used to collect emerging adult Culicoides from dung heaps at two cattle farms in the south-east of England from June to November 2016 and March 2017 to May 2018. Culicoides were morphologically identified to species or complex level and count data were analysed using a simple population dynamic model for pre-adult Culicoides that included meteorological components. Results More than 96,000 Culicoides were identified from 267 emergence trapping events across 2 years, revealing clear evidence of bivoltinism from peaks of male populations of Culicoidesobsoletus emerging from dung heaps. This pattern was also reflected in the emergence of adult female Obsoletus complex populations, which dominated the collections (64.4% of total catch) and emerged throughout the adult active period. Adult male C. obsoletus were observed emerging earlier than females (protandry) and emergence of both sexes occurred throughout the year. Culicoides chiopterus and Culicoides scoticus were also identified in spring emergence collections, providing the first evidence for the overwintering of larvae in dung heaps for these species. Conclusions This study demonstrates continual and highly variable rates of emergence of Culicoides throughout the year. A lack of evidence for mass emergence in spring along with the ability to observe male generations highlights the need for complementary surveillance techniques in addition to light-trap data when investigating seasonality and phenology. Evidence was found of other vector species, C. chiopterus and C. scoticus, utilising cattle dung heaps as an overwintering habitat, further highlighting the importance of these habitats on farms. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05370-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Eleanor Stokes
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey, GU24 0NF, UK. .,ProScience Ltd, Gloucestershire, GL11 5SD, UK.
| | - Simon Carpenter
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey, GU24 0NF, UK
| | | | - Simon Gubbins
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey, GU24 0NF, UK
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González MA, Goiri F, Prosser SWJ, Cevidanes A, Hernández-Triana LM, Barandika JF, Hebert PDN, García-Pérez AL. Culicoides species community composition and feeding preferences in two aquatic ecosystems in northern Spain. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:199. [PMID: 35690834 PMCID: PMC9188056 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05297-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aquatic ecosystems provide breeding sites for blood-sucking insects such as Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), but factors affecting their distribution and host choice are poorly understood. A study was undertaken at two nature reserves in northern Spain to examine the abundance, species composition, population dynamics and feeding patterns of biting midges between 2018 and 2019. Methods Culicoides were captured by light suction traps baited with CO2 and by sweep netting vegetation. Blood meals and species identification of blood-fed specimens were determined using cytochrome c oxidase I subunit (COI) DNA barcoding. Multivariate generalized linear models were used to evaluate the associations between the abundance of Culicoides, the species richness and other parameters. Results The 4973 identified specimens comprised 28 species of Culicoides. These included two species reported for the first time in northern Spain, thus raising to 54 the number of Culicoides species described in the region. Specimens of all 28 species and 99.6% of the total specimens collected were caught in suction traps, while sweep netting vegetation revealed just 11 species and 0.4% of the total specimens. Midge abundance peaked in June/early July, with five species comprising > 80% of the captures: Culicoides alazanicus (24.9%), Culicoides griseidorsum (20.3%), Culicoides poperinghensis (16.2%), Culicoides kibunensis (10.7%) and Culicoides clastrieri (9.6%). DNA barcode analysis of blood meals from eight Culicoides species revealed that they fed on 17 vertebrate species (3 mammals and 14 birds). Species in the subgenus Avaritia were primarily ornithophilic, except for C. griseidorsum and C. poperinghensis. Host DNA from blood meals was successfully amplified from 75% of blood-fed females. A pictorial blood meal digestion scale is provided to accurately assess the blood-fed status of female Culicoides. Conclusions The large number of different blood meal sources identified in the midges captured in this study signals the likely importance of wild birds and mammals (e.g. red deer and wild boar) as reservoir/amplifying hosts for pathogens. Available hosts are more exposed to being bitten by biting midge populations in aquatic ecosystems in late spring and early summer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05297-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikel A González
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.,Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Research Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Fátima Goiri
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Sean W J Prosser
- Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Luis M Hernández-Triana
- Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Virology Department-Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - Jesús F Barandika
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Paul D N Hebert
- Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Ana L García-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.
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A Survey on Native and Invasive Mosquitoes and Other Biting Dipterans in Northern Spain. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:867-877. [PMID: 35298775 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Haematophagous Diptera, such as mosquitoes (Culicidae), biting midges (Ceratopogonidae), and black flies (Simuliidae), are important insects for public and animal health due to their capacity to bite and transmit pathogens. Outdoor recreation areas are usually affected by biting species and provide suitable habitats to both adult and immature stages. This study aimed to determine the species diversity and larval sites of these Diptera groups in two golf courses. METHODS A multi-method collection approach using ultraviolet-CDC traps, human landing catches, collection in breeding sites, and ovitraps was implemented during summer 2020 in northern Spain. Insects were determined by morphological features accompanied by DNA barcoding. RESULTS A total of ten native mosquito species were recorded either as adults or as larval stages. The invasive species Aedes japonicus was collected only at egg or pupa stage in ovitraps. Culex pipiens s.l. and Culex torrentium were both common mosquito species accounting for 47.9% of the total larval site collections and their larvae might be found in a wide range of natural and artificial sites. Culiseta longiareolata specimens were also prominent (30.1% of the total) and occurred exclusively in man-made water-filled containers. A total of 13 Culicoides species were identified, 10 of which were captured by ultraviolet-CDC traps, particularly members of the Obsoletus complex (Culicoides obsoletus/Culicoides scoticus, 74.9%) and seven species by emergence traps, being the two most abundant C. kibunensis (44.8%) and C. festivipennis (34.9%). Simulium cryophilum was also collected hovering around the operator under field sampling. CONCLUSION A comprehensive representation of the blood-sucking Diptera fauna and their larval sites was obtained by the multi-method approach in two Spanish golf courses.
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Bakhoum M, Fall A, Seck M, Fall M, Ciss M, Garros C, Bouyer J, Gimonneau G, Baldet T. Physicochemical factors affecting the diversity and abundance of Afrotropical Culicoides species in larval habitats in Senegal. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105932. [PMID: 33933445 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are the biological vectors of arboviruses of global importance in animal health. We characterized the physicochemical parameters that determine the density and composition of the main Culicoides species of veterinary interest in larval habitats of the Niayes region of Senegal. For this purpose, we combined larval and substrate sampling in the field in different habitat types with adult emergence and physicochemical analyses in the laboratory. Three major habitat types were identified, conditioning the predominant species of Culicoides and pH and the amount of organic matter were positively correlated with the abundance of larvae and emerging Culicoides, as opposed to salinity. The diversity of emerging Culicoides was positively correlated with pH while it was negatively correlated with salinity. Culicoides distinctipennis was the predominant species in the larval habitat group of freshwater lake edges. In the larval habitat group of pond and puddle edges, C. oxystoma and C. nivosus were predominant; both species were again most abundant in the larval habitat group of saltwater lake edges. These variabilities in physicochemical parameters support the distribution of different Culicoides species in different habitat groups. These results make it possible to implement effective, selective and environmental-friendly control measures but also to improve current models for estimating the abundance of adult vector populations at a local scale.
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Aguilar-Vega C, Rivera B, Lucientes J, Gutiérrez-Boada I, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM. A study of the composition of the Obsoletus complex and genetic diversity of Culicoides obsoletus populations in Spain. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:351. [PMID: 34217330 PMCID: PMC8254917 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04841-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Culicoides obsoletus species complex (henceforth ‘Obsoletus complex’) is implicated in the transmission of several arboviruses that can cause severe disease in livestock, such as bluetongue, African horse sickness, epizootic hemorrhagic disease and Schmallenberg disease. Thus, this study aimed to increase our knowledge of the composition and genetic diversity of the Obsoletus complex by partial sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) gene in poorly studied areas of Spain. Methods A study of C. obsoletus populations was carried out using a single-tube multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that was designed to differentiate the Obsoletus complex sibling species Culicoides obsoletus and Culicoides scoticus, based on the partial amplification of the cox1 gene, as well as cox1 georeferenced sequences from Spain available at GenBank. We sampled 117 insects of the Obsoletus complex from six locations and used a total of 238 sequences of C. obsoletus (ss) individuals (sampled here, and from GenBank) from 14 sites in mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands for genetic diversity and phylogenetic analyses. Results We identified 90 C. obsoletus (ss), 19 Culicoides scoticus and five Culicoides montanus midges from the six collection sites sampled, and found that the genetic diversity of C. obsoletus (ss) were higher in mainland Spain than in the Canary Islands. The multiplex PCR had limitations in terms of specificity, and no cryptic species within the Obsoletus complex were identified. Conclusions Within the Obsoletus complex, C. obsoletus (ss) was the predominant species in the analyzed sites of mainland Spain. Information about the species composition of the Obsoletus complex could be of relevance for future epidemiological studies when specific aspects of the vector competence and capacity of each species have been identified. Our results indicate that the intraspecific divergence is higher in C. obsoletus (ss) northern populations, and demonstrate the isolation of C. obsoletus (ss) populations of the Canary Islands. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04841-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Aguilar-Vega
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Belén Rivera
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Department of Animal Pathology (Animal Health), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, AgriFood Institute of Aragón IA2, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Isabel Gutiérrez-Boada
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Sánchez-Vizcaíno
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Barceló C, Miranda MA. Development and lifespan of Culicoides obsoletus s.s. (Meigen) and other livestock-associated species reared at different temperatures under laboratory conditions. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:187-201. [PMID: 33103805 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) transmit arboviruses affecting wild and domestic ruminants such as bluetongue (BTV) and Schmallenberg virus (SBV). The sub-adult development and lifespan of Culicoides obsoletus s.s. (Meigen), Culicoides circumscriptus Kieffer and Culicoides paolae Boorman were examined at three different temperatures under laboratory conditions. Insects were collected from field between spring and autumn 2015 in two livestock farms located in Majorca (Spain). Gravid females were held individually at 18, 25 or 30 °C. Low temperatures increased the adult lifespan, time to oviposit and rate of development, whereas high temperatures increased the number of eggs, successful pupation and adult emergence as well as the larvae growth rate. The results showed that C. obsoletus s.s. have optimum development at 18 °C, whereas the optimal rearing temperature for C. circumscriptus and C. paolae was under warmer conditions of 25-30 °C. Variations in temperature/humidity and assays with different materials and substrates for oviposition should be considered in future studies. Understanding the requirements of the different species of Culicoides optimizing the results should be of special interest for predicting environmental change effects on these species, in addition to determining the rearing conditions for candidate Culicoides vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Barceló
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - M A Miranda
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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Kameke D, Kampen H, Wacker A, Werner D. Field studies on breeding sites of Culicoides LATREILLE (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in agriculturally used and natural habitats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10007. [PMID: 33976240 PMCID: PMC8113236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Culicoides are vectors of pathogens mainly of veterinary importance. To establish targeted vector control measures, it is paramount to comprehend the ecological factors determining their distribution. Therefore, we used emergence traps to sample eight biotopes and assess their potential as breeding sites. Part one of the study investigates agricultural habitats, part two compares four biotopes of a forest-dominated area with less anthropogenic influence, including a physicochemical analysis of soil moisture, pH value and organic content. Thirteen culicoid species were collected, with a strong dominance of the Obsoletus Complex on meadows, and with Culicoides punctatus (Meigen), Culicoides pictipennis (Staeger) and the Obsoletus Complex, to be the most abundant species in the natural habitats. Several co-existing species were found, some of them not having been described before. Our results suggest that ungrazed meadows seem unsuitable as breeding sites. Only the influence of livestock creates adequate conditions for certain midge species. The alder on fen site contained most culicoid species with the highest species diversity. Our study clearly indicates that knowledge of species-specific preferences for environmental habitat conditions (choice of breeding site) in connection to soil conditions is crucial to understand the biology and phenology of midges and their role as vectors of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Kameke
- Working Group Biodiversity of Aquatic and Semiaquatic Landscape Features, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany.
| | - Helge Kampen
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI), Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Alexander Wacker
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Loitzer Str. 26, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Doreen Werner
- Working Group Biodiversity of Aquatic and Semiaquatic Landscape Features, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany
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12
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González MA, Goiri F, Barandika JF, García-Pérez AL. Culicoides biting midges and mosquito fauna at three dog and cat shelters in rural and periurban areas in Northern Spain. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:79-87. [PMID: 32840900 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The diversity and abundance of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) and mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) were studied in three animal protection centres (APCs) in Northern Spain between 1 July and 31 October 2018. Four miniature suction CDC light traps (two UV and two standard incandescent bulb traps, both types baited and non-baited with CO2 ) were placed in each APC to compare their efficiency in the collection of these Diptera groups. A total of 1176 biting midges (14 species), 224 mosquitoes (8 species) and 1 black fly were collected and identified by both morphological and molecular approaches. The Culicoides obsoletus complex (C. obsoletus/C. scoticus) accounted for 58.2% of the total collection within the Ceratopogonidae family, whereas Culex pipiens/Cx. torrentium comprised 76.8% of the Culicidae. The input of CO2 in light traps proved largely ineffective in improving the collections of both Diptera groups. UV-light traps were 7.8 and 2.2 times more effective than incandescent light traps in trapping Culicoides and mosquitoes, respectively. Seasonal dynamics differed between both Diptera taxa but captures of both taxa were significantly larger at the beginning of the summer. The epidemiological relevance of the most prevalent species is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A González
- Department of Animal Health. NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - F Goiri
- Department of Animal Health. NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - J F Barandika
- Department of Animal Health. NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - A L García-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health. NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
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13
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Barceló C, Purse BV, Estrada R, Lucientes J, Miranda MÁ, Searle KR. Environmental Drivers of Adult Seasonality and Abundance of Biting Midges Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), Bluetongue Vector Species in Spain. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:350-364. [PMID: 32885822 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting wild and domestic ruminants transmitted by several species of biting midges Culicoides Latreille. The phenology of these insects were analyzed in relation to potential environmental drivers. Data from 329 sites in Spain were analyzed using Bayesian Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) approaches. The effects of environmental factors on adult female seasonality were contrasted. Obsoletus complex species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were the most prevalent across sites, followed by Culicoides newsteadi Austen (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Activity of female Obsoletus complex species was longest in sites at low elevation, with warmer spring average temperatures and precipitation, as well as in sites with high abundance of cattle. The length of the Culicoides imicola Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) female adult season was also longest in sites at low elevation with higher coverage of broad-leaved vegetation. Long adult seasons of C. newsteadi were found in sites with warmer autumns and higher precipitation, high abundance of sheep. Culicoides pulicaris (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) had longer adult periods in sites with a greater number of accumulated degree days over 10°C during winter. These results demonstrate the eco-climatic and seasonal differences among these four taxa in Spain, which may contribute to determining sites with suitable environmental circumstances for each particular species to inform assessments of the risk of Bluetongue virus outbreaks in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Barceló
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Research Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Bethan V Purse
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa Estrada
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Miguel Á Miranda
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Research Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Kate R Searle
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Edinburgh, Scotland
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14
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McDermott EG, Lysyk TJ. Sampling Considerations for Adult and Immature Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:5948078. [PMID: 33135756 PMCID: PMC7604845 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Developing sampling programs for Culicoides can be challenging due to variation in ecology and behavior of the numerous species as well as their broad distributions and habitats. In this paper, we emphasize the need to clearly define research goals to select appropriate sampling methods. This includes not just the choice of sampling device, but also choice of attractant, site, number of traps per site, the duration and frequency of sampling, and the number of traps per unit area. Animal-baited trapping using enclosure traps and direct animal aspiration is more labor-intensive but yields information on species attracted to specific hosts as well as their biting rates. Sampling immatures is discussed with respect to choosing collection sites in semiaquatic mud, soil, and rich organic habitats. Sorting and extracting larvae using emergence traps, flotation, and Berlese funnels is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G McDermott
- Vector Control and Surveillance, Entomology Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
| | - T J Lysyk
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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15
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Werner D, Groschupp S, Bauer C, Kampen H. Breeding Habitat Preferences of Major Culicoides Species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Germany. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17145000. [PMID: 32664561 PMCID: PMC7400431 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17145000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera, Ceratopognidae) are demonstrably or putatively involved in the transmission of both bluetongue (BTV) and Schmallenberg viruses (SBV) in Central Europe. Although these insects are ubiquitous in Europe, relatively little is known about their requirements in terms of breeding habitats and substrates. Culicoides species composition and relative abundance in potential breeding habitats were therefore studied at various locations in Northeastern Germany and one location in Western Germany by emergence trap collections. Forty-three potential breeding sites were analyzed in ten landscape structures, with 28,091 adult biting midges emerging from them. Among these, 2116 specimens belonged to the genus Culicoides. Species of the culicoid subgenus Avaritia were most abundant (70.6% of all specimens) and widespread (91.6% of all sites), while the subgenus Culicoides accounted for 15.6% of the specimens registered but emerged from 70.8% of all sites sampled. Culicoides species of other subgenera were collected in 75.0% of all studied sites, with a relative abundance of 8.7%. The results indicate that various types of dung, but probably also some landscape habitats, offer suitable substrates for the development of potential Culicoides vector species. Adaptations in dung management on farms and landscape design and use might therefore be appropriate approaches to reduce the risk of BTV or SBV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Werner
- Research Area 2 “Land Use and Governance”, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-33432-82-363
| | - Sarah Groschupp
- Research Area 2 “Land Use and Governance”, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany;
| | - Christian Bauer
- Working Group “Epidemiology”, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Helge Kampen
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald, Germany;
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16
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Aguilar-Vega C, Fernández-Carrión E, Lucientes J, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM. A model for the assessment of bluetongue virus serotype 1 persistence in Spain. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232534. [PMID: 32353863 PMCID: PMC7192634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bluetongue virus (BTV) is an arbovirus of ruminants that has been circulating in Europe continuously for more than two decades and has become endemic in some countries such as Spain. Spain is ideal for BTV epidemiological studies since BTV outbreaks from different sources and serotypes have occurred continuously there since 2000; BTV-1 has been reported there from 2007 to 2017. Here we develop a model for BTV-1 endemic scenario to estimate the risk of an area becoming endemic, as well as to identify the most influential factors for BTV-1 persistence. We created abundance maps at 1-km2 spatial resolution for the main vectors in Spain, Culicoides imicola and Obsoletus and Pulicaris complexes, by combining environmental satellite data with occurrence models and a random forest machine learning algorithm. The endemic model included vector abundance and host-related variables (farm density). The three most relevant variables in the endemic model were the abundance of C. imicola and Obsoletus complex and density of goat farms (AUC 0.86); this model suggests that BTV-1 is more likely to become endemic in central and southwestern regions of Spain. It only requires host- and vector-related variables to identify areas at greater risk of becoming endemic for bluetongue. Our results highlight the importance of suitable Culicoides spp. prediction maps for bluetongue epidemiological studies and decision-making about control and eradication measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Aguilar-Vega
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fernández-Carrión
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Department of Animal Pathology (Animal Health), AgriFood Institute of Aragón IA2, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José Manuel Sánchez-Vizcaíno
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Mayo C, McDermott E, Kopanke J, Stenglein M, Lee J, Mathiason C, Carpenter M, Reed K, Perkins TA. Ecological Dynamics Impacting Bluetongue Virus Transmission in North America. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:186. [PMID: 32426376 PMCID: PMC7212442 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bluetongue virus (BTV) is an arbovirus transmitted to domestic and wild ruminants by certain species of Culicoides midges. The disease resulting from infection with BTV is economically important and can influence international trade and movement of livestock, the economics of livestock production, and animal welfare. Recent changes in the epidemiology of Culicoides-transmitted viruses, notably the emergence of exotic BTV genotypes in Europe, have demonstrated the devastating economic consequences of BTV epizootics and the complex nature of transmission across host-vector landscapes. Incursions of novel BTV serotypes into historically enzootic countries or regions, including the southeastern United States (US), Israel, Australia, and South America, have also occurred, suggesting diverse pathways for the transmission of these viruses. The abundance of BTV strains and multiple reassortant viruses circulating in Europe and the US in recent years demonstrates considerable genetic diversity of BTV strains and implies a history of reassortment events within the respective regions. While a great deal of emphasis is rightly placed on understanding the epidemiology and emergence of BTV beyond its natural ecosystem, the ecological contexts in which BTV maintains an enzootic cycle may also be of great significance. This review focuses on describing our current knowledge of ecological factors driving BTV transmission in North America. Information presented in this review can help inform future studies that may elucidate factors that are relevant to longstanding and emerging challenges associated with prevention of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christie Mayo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Emily McDermott
- Entomology Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer Kopanke
- Office of the Campus Veterinarian, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Mark Stenglein
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Justin Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Candace Mathiason
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Molly Carpenter
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Kirsten Reed
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - T. Alex Perkins
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
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18
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Ciss M, Biteye B, Fall AG, Fall M, Gahn MCB, Leroux L, Apolloni A. Ecological niche modelling to estimate the distribution of Culicoides, potential vectors of bluetongue virus in Senegal. BMC Ecol 2019; 19:45. [PMID: 31676006 PMCID: PMC6825335 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-019-0261-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-borne diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. In the Afrotropical region, some are transmitted by Culicoides, such as Akabane, bluetongue, epizootic haemorrhagic fever and African horse sickness viruses. Bluetongue virus infection has an enormous impact on ruminant production, due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. METHODS A nationwide Culicoides trapping campaign was organized at the end of the 2012 rainy season in Senegal. A Maximum Entropy approach (MaxEnt), Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) method and Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) were used to develop a predictive spatial model for the distribution of Culicoides, using bio-climatic variables, livestock densities and altitude. RESULTS The altitude, maximum temperature of the warmest month, precipitation of the warmest quarter, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, temperature seasonality, precipitation of the wettest quarter and livestock density were among the most important factors to predict suitable habitats of Culicoides. Culicoides occurrences were, in most of the cases, positively correlated to precipitation variables and livestock densities; and negatively correlated to the altitude and temperature indices. The Niayes area and the Groundnut basin were the most suitable habitats predicted. CONCLUSION We present ecological niche models for different Culicoides species, namely C. imicola, C. oxystoma, C. enderleini and C. miombo, potential vectors of bluetongue virus, on a nationwide scale in Senegal. Through our modelling approach, we were able to determine the effect of bioclimatic variables on Culicoides habitats and were able to generate maps for the occurrence of Culicoides species. This information will be helpful in developing risk maps for disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamadou Ciss
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles/Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Senegal
| | - Biram Biteye
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles/Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Senegal
| | - Assane Gueye Fall
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles/Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Senegal
| | - Moussa Fall
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles/Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Senegal
| | - Marie Cicille Ba Gahn
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles/Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Senegal
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Vectorielle et Parasitaire, Département de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Louise Leroux
- CIRAD, UPR AIDA, Dakar, Senegal
- AIDA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | - Andrea Apolloni
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles/Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Senegal
- AIDA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, 34398 Montpellier, France
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Foxi C, Delrio G, Luciano P, Mannu R, Ruiu L. Comparative laboratory and field study of biorational insecticides for Culicoides biting midge management in larval developmental sites. Acta Trop 2019; 198:105097. [PMID: 31325415 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
An appropriate management strategy of bluetongue vectors should include larvicidal treatments in their larval development sites utilizing active substances with low environmental impact. A selection of biorational insecticides with potential against dipteran larvae was assayed in the laboratory against field collected Culicoides larvae including C. cataneii, C. circumscriptus, and C. imicola, determining their median lethal concentrations in water and mud/water substrate. The efficacy of formulations containing the insect growth regulators pyriproxyfen and cyromazine, the botanical insecticide azadirachtin, and the entomopathogenic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis and Brevibacillus laterosporus, was also assessed in field conditions in a comparative study conducted in sheep farm larval development sites, including treatments with the organophosphate temephos. Significant larvicidal properties were associated with the various insecticides evaluated in the laboratory assays and in field trials, although with different levels of effectiveness. While temephos was confirmed to be an effective broad spectrum larvicidal substance, B. laterosporus appeared to be the most effective among entomopathogens, while insect growth regulators combined a good efficacy to a long-lasting residual effect in the field. Everything considered, the use of these biorational insecticides alone or in combination with larval habitat manipulation techniques appears to be a promising method to complement integrated biting midge management programs.
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20
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Braverman Y, Chizov-Ginzburg A, Eldor H, Mumcuoglu KY. Overview and features of larval developmental sites of biting midges species associated with livestock in Israel with implications to their control. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2018; 14:204-211. [PMID: 31014731 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The larval developmental sites of Culicoides species were assessed from 1155 samples collected during the years 1969-2003. Culicoides circumscriptus was most prolific in mud with medium organic matter with proportional representation of 55.8%. Culicoides imicola breeds mainly in damp mixture of rotten, decomposed animal dung with or without some mud, with proportional representation of 97.2%. Culicoides obsoletus was found mostly in rotten banana stumps, with proportional representation of almost 100%. Culicoides puncticollis was found in mud with a medium amount of organic matter with proportional representation of 35.6%. Culicoides distinctipennis showed 22.2% proportional representation for mud poor in organic matter. Culicoides schultzei gr. was most prolifically in mud rich in organic matter with proportional representation of 6.2%. Culicoides cataneii was most prolifically in mud with a medium amount of organic matter with proportional representation of 1.8%. Maximum duration time to emergence from the larval developmental sites ranged from seven weeks in C. obsoletus to fourteen weeks in C. circumscriptus and nine weeks in C. imicola. All the studied species breed throughout the year. Significant innate differences in the proportions of the sexes were found in the emergence of six species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Braverman
- Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel.
| | | | - H Eldor
- Yoshpe Street 13, Hod Ha'Sharon, Israel
| | - K Y Mumcuoglu
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Jerusalem, Israel
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21
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Wong ND, McDermott EG, Murillo AC, Mullens BA. Field Distribution and Density of Culicoides sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Eggs in Dairy Wastewater Habitats. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:392-397. [PMID: 29182770 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) is a key bluetongue virus vector in the United States. Immatures occur in mud near the edges of wastewater ponds and are understudied targets for control efforts. Eggs of C. sonorensis were collected in the morning from a dairy wastewater pond bank by taking 5-ml surface mud samples along four transects on each of six dates. Surface mud samples parallel to waterline (10-cm long, 1-cm wide, and 0.5-cm deep) were removed at 5-cm increments ranging from 15 cm below waterline up to 25 cm above waterline. Eggs were removed using MgSO4 flotation, held on moist filter paper, and scored for hatching over 3 d. Eggs hatching on days 2 and 3 were assumed to have been laid on the test night. Water levels were stable within a night according to time-lapse camera photos. Most samples from below the waterline had no eggs and were not analyzed statistically. Mean (±SE) sample moisture (25.8 ± 2.1 at 5 cm above waterline and 19.8 ± 2.6% at 25 cm above waterline) did not vary significantly by position above waterline. The highest density of viable eggs (21 eggs/5 ml), proportion of mud samples positive for viable eggs (75%), and proportion of eggs hatching (80%) were found 5 cm above waterline. Oviposition in the few hours after sunset is adaptive, allowing eggs to age, develop the serosal cuticle, and resist later desiccation. As a potential control method, reducing water levels after midnight would encourage young egg desiccation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie D Wong
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Emily G McDermott
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Amy C Murillo
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Bradley A Mullens
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California
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22
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Geo-statistical analysis of Culicoides spp. distribution and abundance in Sicily, Italy. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:78. [PMID: 29391056 PMCID: PMC5796452 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2658-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biting midges belonging to Culicoides imicola, Culicoides obsoletus complex and Culicoides pulicaris complex (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are increasingly implicated as vectors of bluetongue virus in Palaearctic regions. Culicoides obsoletus complex includes C. obsoletus (sensu stricto), C. scoticus, C. dewulfi and C. chiopterus. Culicoides pulicaris and C. lupicaris belong to the Culicoides pulicaris complex. The aim of this study was a geo-statistical analysis of the abundance and spatial distribution of Culicoides spp. involved in bluetongue virus transmission. As part of the national bluetongue surveillance plan 7081 catches were collected in 897 Sicilian farms from 2000 to 2013. Methods Onderstepoort-type blacklight traps were used for sample collection and each catch was analysed for the presence of Culicoides spp. and for the presence and abundance of Culicoides vector species (C. imicola, C. pulicaris / C. obsoletus complexes). A geo-statistical analysis was carried out monthly via the interpolation of measured values based on the Inverse Distance Weighted method, using a GIS tool. Raster maps were reclassified into seven classes according to the presence and abundance of Culicoides, in order to obtain suitable maps for Map Algebra operations. Results Sicilian provinces showing a very high abundance of Culicoides vector species were Messina (80% of the whole area), Palermo (20%) and Catania (12%). A total of 5654 farms fell within the very high risk area for bluetongue (21% of the 26,676 farms active in Sicily); of these, 3483 farms were in Messina, 1567 in Palermo and 604 in Catania. Culicoides imicola was prevalent in Palermo, C. pulicaris in Messina and C. obsoletus complex was very abundant over the whole island with the highest abundance value in Messina. Conclusions Our study reports the results of a geo-statistical analysis concerning the abundance and spatial distribution of Culicoides spp. in Sicily throughout the fourteen year study. It provides useful decision support in the field of epidemiology, allowing the identification of areas to be monitored as bases for improved surveillance plans. Moreover, this knowledge can become a tool for the evaluation of virus transmission risks, especially if related to vector competence.
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Ramilo DW, Nunes T, Madeira S, Boinas F, da Fonseca IP. Geographical distribution of Culicoides (DIPTERA: CERATOPOGONIDAE) in mainland Portugal: Presence/absence modelling of vector and potential vector species. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180606. [PMID: 28683145 PMCID: PMC5500329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases are not only accounted responsible for their burden on human health-care systems, but also known to cause economic constraints to livestock and animal production. Animals are affected directly by the transmitted pathogens and indirectly when animal movement is restricted. Distribution of such diseases depends on climatic and social factors, namely, environmental changes, globalization, trade and unplanned urbanization. Culicoides biting midges are responsible for the transmission of several pathogenic agents with relevant economic impact. Due to a fragmentary knowledge of their ecology, occurrence is difficult to predict consequently, limiting the control of these arthropod vectors. In order to understand the distribution of Culicoides species, in mainland Portugal, data collected during the National Entomologic Surveillance Program for Bluetongue disease (2005-2013), were used for statistical evaluation. Logistic regression analysis was preformed and prediction maps (per season) were obtained for vector and potentially vector species. The variables used at the present study were selected from WorldClim (two climatic variables) and CORINE databases (twenty-two land cover variables). This work points to an opposite distribution of C. imicola and species from the Obsoletus group within mainland Portugal. Such findings are evidenced in autumn, with the former appearing in Central and Southern regions. Although appearing northwards, on summer and autumn, C. newsteadi reveals a similar distribution to C. imicola. The species C. punctatus appears in all Portuguese territory throughout the year. Contrary, C. pulicaris is poorly caught in all areas of mainland Portugal, being paradoxical present near coastal areas and higher altitude regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. Ramilo
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Telmo Nunes
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Madeira
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fernando Boinas
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
The performance of different bluetongue control measures related to both vaccination and protection from bluetongue virus (BTV) vectors was assessed. By means of a mathematical model, it was concluded that when vaccination is applied on 95% of animals even for 3 years, bluetongue cannot be eradicated and is able to re‐emerge. Only after 5 years of vaccination, the infection may be close to the eradication levels. In the absence of vaccination, the disease can persist for several years, reaching an endemic condition with low level of prevalence of infection. Among the mechanisms for bluetongue persistence, the persistence in the wildlife, the transplacental transmission in the host, the duration of viraemia and the possible vertical transmission in vectors were assessed. The criteria of the current surveillance scheme in place in the EU for demonstration of the virus absence need revision, because it was highlighted that under the current surveillance policy bluetongue circulation might occur undetected. For the safe movement of animals, newborn ruminants from vaccinated mothers with neutralising antibodies can be considered protected against infection, although a protective titre threshold cannot be identified. The presence of colostral antibodies interferes with the vaccine immunisation in the newborn for more than 3 months after birth, whereas the minimum time after vaccination of animal to be considered immune can be up to 48 days. The knowledge about vectors ecology, mechanisms of over‐wintering and criteria for the seasonally vector‐free period was updated. Some Culicoides species are active throughout the year and an absolute vector‐free period may not exist at least in some areas in Europe. To date, there is no evidence that the use of insecticides and repellents reduce the transmission of BTV in the field, although this may reduce host/vector contact. By only using pour‐on insecticides, protection of animals is lower than the one provided by vector‐proof establishments. This publication is linked to the following EFSA Supporting Publications article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/sp.efsa.2017.EN-1182/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/sp.efsa.2017.EN-1171/full
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Lucientes J, Alarcón-Elbal P. Culicoides biting midges in Spain: A brief overview. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Bakhoum MT, Fall AG, Fall M, Bassene CK, Baldet T, Seck MT, Bouyer J, Garros C, Gimonneau G. Insight on the larval habitat of Afrotropical Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the Niayes area of Senegal, West Africa. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:462. [PMID: 27549191 PMCID: PMC4994380 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1749-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Certain biting midges species of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of virus to livestock worldwide. Culicoides larval ecology has remained overlooked because of difficulties to identify breeding sites, methodological constraints to collect samples and lack of morphological tools to identify field-collected individuals to the species level. After the 2007 unforeseen outbreaks of African horse sickness virus (AHSV) in Senegal (West Africa), there is a need to identify suitable and productive larval habitats in horse farms for the main Culicoides species to evaluate the implementation of vector control measures or preventive actions. METHODS We investigate twelve putative larval habitats (habitat types) of Culicoides inside and outside of three horse farms in the Niayes area of Senegal using a combination of flotation and emergence methods during four collection sessions. RESULTS Among the three studied horse farms, three habitat types were found positive for Culicoides larvae: pond edge, lake edge and puddle edge. A total of 1420 Culicoides individuals (519♂/901♀) belonging to ten species emerged from the substrate samples. Culicoides oxystoma (40 %), C. similis (25 %) and C. nivosus (24 %) were the most abundant species and emerged from the three habitat types while C. kingi (5 %) was only retrieved from lake edges and one male emerged from puddle edge. Culicoides imicola (1.7 %) was found in low numbers and retrieved only from pond and puddle edges. CONCLUSIONS Larval habitats identified were not species-specific. All positive larval habitats were found outside the horse farms. This study provides original baseline information on larval habitats of Culicoides species in Senegal in an area endemic for AHSV, in particular for species of interest in animal health. These data will serve as a point of reference for future investigations on larval ecology and larval control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mame T. Bakhoum
- Cirad, UMR CMAEE, Montpellier, France
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Sénégal
| | - Assane G. Fall
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Sénégal
| | - Moussa Fall
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Sénégal
| | - Chiavaroli K. Bassene
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Sénégal
| | | | - Momar T. Seck
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Sénégal
| | - Jérémy Bouyer
- Cirad, UMR CMAEE, Montpellier, France
- PATTEC coordination office, P. O. Box 3243, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Geoffrey Gimonneau
- Cirad, UMR CMAEE, Montpellier, France
- Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Laboratoire National de l’Elevage et de Recherches Vétérinaires, BP 2057, Dakar-Hann, Sénégal
- Cirad, UMR INTERTRYP, F-34398, Montpellier, France
- Present address: CIRDES, BP454, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
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Steinke S, Lühken R, Balczun C, Kiel E. Emergence of Culicoides obsoletus group species from farm-associated habitats in Germany. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 30:174-184. [PMID: 26744290 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) may transmit several arboviruses to ruminant livestock. The species of the Obsoletus group are considered to be among the most important vectors of bluetongue virus (BTV) in northern Europe. As agricultural environments offer suitable habitats for the development of their immature stages, the emergence of adult Culicoides from potential breeding sites was investigated at 20 cattle farms throughout Germany in 2012 and 2013. In analyses of species-specific habitat preferences and relationships between Culicoides abundance in breeding substrates and their physicochemical characteristics, dungheaps emerged as the most important substrate for the development of Culicoides obsoletus sensu stricto (s.s.) (Meigen), whereas Culicoides chiopterus (Meigen) and Culicoides dewulfi Goetghebuer were generally restricted to cowpats. A decreasing pH value was associated with a higher abundance or a higher probability of observing these three species. Furthermore, the abundance of C. obsoletus s.s. was positively related to increasing moisture. Dungheaps were very productive breeding sites for this species and are therefore suggested as a target for potential control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Steinke
- Research Group for Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - R Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Balczun
- Laboratory of Medical Parasitology, Central Institute of the Bundeswehr Medical Service, Koblenz, Germany
| | - E Kiel
- Research Group for Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Impact of experimental flooding on larvae and pupae of dung-breeding Culicoides. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3825-30. [PMID: 27234035 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5144-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) spend the greatest part of their life in the larval stage. However, knowledge on the immature stages and the impact of abiotic factors on their development is still poor. Therefore, we investigated the effect of flooding on the larvae and pupae of Culicoides chiopterus (Meigen, 1830) and C. dewulfi Goetghebuer, 1936. In water, the larvae of both species showed head-to-tail flexions and sinuous flexions, at slow rates, but were not able to swim. Flooding of larvae for 24 h did not affect the number of emerging adults; flooding of pupae significantly reduced the emergence rate of C. chiopterus, compared to the control group, while C. dewulfi was not affected. Pupae were not able to float and no pupae survived flooding for 10 days. After flooding of larvae for 10 days, 50 % of C. chiopterus and 4 % of C. dewulfi completed the pre-adult development. During this treatment, 84 % of C. chiopterus and 48 % of C. dewulfi larvae pupated in water.
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Pfannenstiel RS, Mullens BA, Ruder MG, Zurek L, Cohnstaedt LW, Nayduch D. Management of North American Culicoides Biting Midges: Current Knowledge and Research Needs. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 15:374-84. [PMID: 26086558 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are biological vectors of two important viruses impacting North American ruminants--bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). These viruses have been identified for over 60 years in North America, but we still lack an adequate understanding of the basic biology and ecology of the confirmed vector, Culicoides sonorensis, and know even less about other putative Culicoides vector species. The major gaps in our knowledge of the biology of Culicoides midges are broad and include an understanding of the ecology of juveniles, the identity of potential alternate vector species, interactions of midges with both pathogens and vertebrates, and the effectiveness of potential control measures. Due to these broad and numerous fundamental knowledge gaps, vector biologists and livestock producers are left with few options to respond to or understand outbreaks of EHD or BT in North America, or respond to emerging or exotic Culicoides-transmitted pathogens. Here we outline current knowledge of vector ecology and control tactics for North American Culicoides species, and delineate research recommendations aimed to fill knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Pfannenstiel
- 1 Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service , Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Bradley A Mullens
- 2 Department of Entomology, University of California-Riverside , Riverside, California
| | - Mark G Ruder
- 1 Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service , Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Ludek Zurek
- 3 Department of Entomology, Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Lee W Cohnstaedt
- 1 Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service , Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Dana Nayduch
- 1 Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service , Manhattan, Kansas
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Helmer C, Eibach R, Humann‐Ziehank E, Tegtmeyer PC, Bürstel D, Mayer K, Moog U, Stauch S, Strobel H, Voigt K, Sieber P, Greiner M, Ganter M. Seroprevalence of Schmallenberg virus infection in sheep and goats flocks in Germany, 2012-2013. Vet Med Sci 2016; 2:10-22. [PMID: 29067177 PMCID: PMC5645825 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a member of the family Bunyaviridae and mainly affects ruminants. It is transmitted by biting midges, first and foremost Culicoides spp., and causes congenital malformations reflected in arthrogryposis-hydranencephaly (AH) syndrome. The aim of this study was to collect data on the emergence of SBV as a new arthropod-borne disease introduced into Europe in 2011. Germany was located in the core region of the 2011/2012 epidemic. Following two seroprevalence studies in the north-west of Germany in 2012, this study focused on the epidemiology and distribution of SBV throughout 130 small ruminant flocks in the whole country. Blood samples were obtained of 30 animals per flock and a SBV-specific questionnaire was used to collect operating data of the farms. The median within-herd seroprevalence for all 130 flocks tested was 53.3% with a total range from 0% to 100%. The median within-herd seroprevalence for goats was 30% [interquartile range (IQR): 40.3%] and 57% for sheep (IQR: 43.3%). Small ruminant flocks kept permanently indoors or housed overnight had a significantly lower seroprevalence than flocks kept permanently outdoors. In addition, this study revealed a significantly lower seroprevalence in the north-east of Germany. These results show that small ruminants in Germany are still at risk of contracting new SBV infections following incomplete seroconversion of flocks especially in the north-east of Germany. This might contribute to SBV becoming enzootic in central and northern Europe. Furthermore, the survey revealed that housing animals at least during mating and early pregnancy may reduce the risk of new SBV infections and may thus be an option to reduce losses as long as there is no licensed vaccine available on the German market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Helmer
- Clinic for Swine and Small RuminantsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, FoundationBischofsholer Damm 15D‐30173HannoverGermany
| | - Regina Eibach
- Clinic for Swine and Small RuminantsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, FoundationBischofsholer Damm 15D‐30173HannoverGermany
| | - Esther Humann‐Ziehank
- Clinic for Swine and Small RuminantsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, FoundationBischofsholer Damm 15D‐30173HannoverGermany
| | - Philip C. Tegtmeyer
- Clinic for Swine and Small RuminantsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, FoundationBischofsholer Damm 15D‐30173HannoverGermany
| | - Daniela Bürstel
- Tierseuchenkasse (Animal Diseases Fund) Baden‐WuerttembergSchaflandstr. 3D‐70736FellbachGermany
| | - Kathrin Mayer
- Small Ruminant Health ServiceSächsische Tierseuchenkasse (Animal Diseases Fund)Löwenstraße 7aD‐01099DresdenGermany
| | - Udo Moog
- Animal Health Service Thuringia e.V.Thüringer Tierseuchenkasse (Animal Diseases Fund)Victor‐Goerttler‐Str. 4D‐07745JenaGermany
| | - Sieglinde Stauch
- Schafpraxis (sheep veterinary practice) StoffenriedAm Hopfenberg 8D‐89352StoffenriedGermany
| | - Heinz Strobel
- Schafpraxis (sheep veterinary practice) StoffenriedAm Hopfenberg 8D‐89352StoffenriedGermany
| | - Katja Voigt
- Clinic for RuminantsLudwig Maximilians University (LMU) MunichSonnenstr.1685764OberschleißheimGermany
| | - Philipp Sieber
- Clinic for RuminantsLudwig Maximilians University (LMU) MunichSonnenstr.1685764OberschleißheimGermany
| | - Matthias Greiner
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)Max‐Dohrn‐Straße 8‐10D‐10589BerlinGermany
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, FoundationHannoverGermany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small RuminantsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, FoundationBischofsholer Damm 15D‐30173HannoverGermany
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Schulz C, Ziller M, Kampen H, Gauly M, Beer M, Grevelding CG, Hoffmann B, Bauer C, Werner D. Culicoides vector species on three South American camelid farms seropositive for bluetongue virus serotype 8 in Germany 2008/2009. Vet Parasitol 2015; 214:272-81. [PMID: 26489592 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Palearctic species of Culicoides (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae), in particular of the Obsoletus and Pulicaris complexes, were identified as putative vectors of bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) on ruminant farms during the epizootic in Germany from 2006 to 2009. BTV may cause severe morbidity and mortality in ruminants and sporadically in South American camelids (SAC). However, the fauna of Culicoides spp. on SAC farms has not been investigated. Therefore, the ceratopogonid fauna was monitored on three farms with BTV-seropositive SAC in Germany. Black-light traps were set up on pastures and in stables from summer 2008 to autumn 2009. Additionally, ceratopogonids were caught in emergence traps mounted on llama dung and dung-free pasture from spring to autumn 2009. After morphological identification, selected Culicoides samples were analysed for BTV-RNA by real-time RT-PCR. The effects of the variables 'location', 'temperature' and 'humidity' on the number of Culicoides caught in black-light traps were modelled using multivariable Poisson regression. In total, 26 species of Culicoides and six other genera of biting midges were identified. The most abundant Culicoides spp. collected both outdoors and indoors with black-light traps belonged to the Obsoletus (77.4%) and Pulicaris (16.0%) complexes. The number of Culicoides peaked in summer, while no biting midges were caught during the winter months. Daily collections of Culicoides were mainly influenced by the location and depended on the interaction of temperature and humidity. In the emergence traps, species of the Obsoletus complex predominated the collections. In summary, the absence of BTV-RNA in any of the analysed Culicoides midges and in the BTV-seropositive SAC on the three farms together with the differences in the pathogenesis of BTV-8 in SAC compared to ruminants suggests a negligible role of SAC in the spread of the virus. Although SAC farms may provide similar suitable habitats for putative Culicoides vectors than ruminant farms, the results suggest that geographic and meteorological factors had a stronger influence on Culicoides abundance than the animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Schulz
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Mario Ziller
- Workgroup Biomathematics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Helge Kampen
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Matthias Gauly
- Department of Animal Science, Livestock Production Group, Georg August University Göttingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christian Bauer
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany.
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Sánchez Murillo JM, González M, Martínez Díaz MM, Reyes Galán A, Alarcón-Elbal PM. Primera cita de Culicoides paradoxalis Ramilo & Delécolle, 2013 (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) en España. GRAELLSIA 2015. [DOI: 10.3989/graellsia.2015.v71.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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González M, Venter GJ, López S, Iturrondobeitia JC, Goldarazena A. Laboratory and field evaluations of chemical and plant-derived potential repellents against Culicoides biting midges in northern Spain. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2014; 28:421-431. [PMID: 25079042 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of 23 compounds in repelling Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), particularly Culicoides obsoletus (Meigen) females, was determined by means of a Y-tube olfactometer. The 10 most effective compounds were further evaluated in landing bioassays. The six most promising compounds (including chemical and plant-derived repellents) were evaluated at 10% and 25% concentrations in field assays using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps. At least three compounds showed promising results against Culicoides biting midges with the methodologies used. Whereas olfactometer assays indicated DEET at 1 µg/µL to be the most effective repellent, filter paper landing bioassays showed plant-derived oils to be better. Light traps fitted with polyester mesh impregnated with a mixture of octanoic, decanoic and nonanoic fatty acids at 10% and 25% concentrations collected 2.2 and 3.6 times fewer midges than control traps and were as effective as DEET, which is presently considered the reference standard insect repellent. The best plant-derived product was lemon eucalyptus oil. Although these have been reported as safe potential repellents, the present results indicate DEET and the mixture of organic fatty acids to be superior and longer lasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- M González
- Entomology Laboratory, Basque Institute of Agricultural Research and Development, NEIKER-TECNALIA, Vitoria, Spain
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Lühken R, Kiel E, Steinke S. Culicoides biting midge density in relation to the position and substrate temperature in a cattle dung heap. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:4659-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4182-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lühken R, Steinke S, Wittmann A, Kiel E. Impact of flooding on the immature stages of dung-breeding Culicoides in Northern Europe. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:289-94. [PMID: 24986464 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In Northern Europe, dung-breeding Culicoides (e.g., Culicoides chiopterus (Meigen 1830) and Culicoides dewulfi (Goetghebuer 1936)) are considered to be important vectors of the Bluetongue virus and Schmallenberg virus. The interpretation of their distribution is difficult due to the lack of knowledge about their ecology. Previously, soil moisture and especially flooding were identified as important factors that influence the development of several biting-midge species. Therefore, this experimental study addressed the question whether flooding has a negative impact on the development of immature stages of Obsoletus group species. Ten cowpats were collected, and each was divided into four quarters and kept at different moisture regimes in a greenhouse: (1) "dry" (no water added), (2) "control" (regularly moistened), (3) "alternately flooded" and (4) "permanently flooded", to compare Culicoides emergence. Flooding had a significant negative impact on the emergence of Culicoides. No individuals emerged from the "permanently flooded" treatment and only two individuals were sampled from the "alternately flooded" treatment. In contrast, the total emergence from the non-flooded samples in the "dry" (96 individuals, 38.6% of all Culicoides) and "control" (151 individuals, 60.6% of all biting midges) treatments was considerably higher. Biting midges were predominantly identified as C. dewulfi (161 individuals, 64.7% of all Culicoides) and C. chiopterus (63 individuals, 25.3% of all Culicoides). There were no significant differences in emergence between the "dry" and "control" treatments. Our results highlight the importance of soil moisture on the distribution of C. chiopterus and C. dewulfi. Regarding physiological and behavioural adaptations of other Culicoides species, we argue that pupae of C. chiopterus and C. dewulfi are in danger of drowning when breeding sites are flooded as they cannot float. On the contrary, our results indicate that desiccation might not be harmful to these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renke Lühken
- Research Group Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Sonja Steinke
- Research Group Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Anna Wittmann
- Research Group Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Ellen Kiel
- Research Group Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
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Zimmer JY, Brostaux Y, Haubruge E, Francis F. Larval development sites of the main Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in northern Europe and distribution of coprophilic species larvae in Belgian pastures. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:676-86. [PMID: 25241330 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 08/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Some Culicoides species of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are biological virus vectors worldwide and have indeed been associated with outbreaks of important epizoonoses in recent years, such as bluetongue and Schmallenberg disease in northern Europe. These diseases, which affect domestic and wild ruminants, have caused considerable economic losses. Knowledge of substrates suitable for Culicoides larval development is important, particularly for the main vector temperate species. This study, realized during two years, aimed to highlight the larval development sites of these biting midge species in the immediate surroundings of ten Belgian cattle farms. Moreover, spatial distribution of the coprophilic Culicoides larvae (C. chiopterus and C. dewulfi) within pastures was studied with increasing distance from farms along linear transects (farm-pasture-woodland). A total of 4347 adult specimens belonging to 13 Culicoides species were obtained by incubation of 2131 soil samples belonging to 102 different substrates; 18 of these substrates were suitable for larval development. The Obsoletus complex (formed by two species) was observed in a wide range of substrates, including silage residues, components of a chicken coop, dung adhering to walls inside stables, leftover feed along the feed bunk, a compost pile of sugar beet residues, soil of a livestock trampling area, and decaying wood, while the following served as substrates for the other specimens: C. chiopterus, mainly cow dung; C. dewulfi, cow dung and molehill soil; C. circumscriptus, algae; C. festivipennis, algae and soil in stagnant water; C. nubeculosus, algae and silt specifically from the edge of a pond; C. punctatus, mainly wet soil between silage reserves; C. salinarius, algae; and C. stigma, algae and wet soil between silage reserves. We also recorded significantly higher densities of coprophilic larvae within pastures in cow dung located near forests, which is likely due to the localization of potential hosts; the presence of these larvae within cow dung is, however, uninfluenced by relative distance from farms. A better knowledge of the microhabitats of Culicoides biting midges and their spatial distribution may allow the development of targeted species-specific vector control strategies, and may help to prevent the creation of new larval development sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Yves Zimmer
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Passage des Déportés 2, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
| | - Yves Brostaux
- Applied Statistics, Computer Science and Mathematics, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Passage des Déportés 2, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Eric Haubruge
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Passage des Déportés 2, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Francis
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Passage des Déportés 2, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium
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Steinke S, Lühken R, Kiel E. Assessment of the abundance of Culicoides chiopterus and Culicoides dewulfi in bovine dung: A comparison of larvae extraction techniques and emergence traps. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:255-62. [PMID: 25155279 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Steinke
- Research Group Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - R Lühken
- Research Group Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - E Kiel
- Research Group Aquatic Ecology and Nature Conservation, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
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Mayo CE, Osborne CJ, Mullens BA, Gerry AC, Gardner IA, Reisen WK, Barker CM, MacLachlan NJ. Seasonal variation and impact of waste-water lagoons as larval habitat on the population dynamics of Culicoides sonorensis (Diptera:Ceratpogonidae) at two dairy farms in northern California. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89633. [PMID: 24586925 PMCID: PMC3931813 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sacramento (northern Central) Valley of California (CA) has a hot Mediterranean climate and a diverse ecological landscape that is impacted extensively by human activities, which include the intensive farming of crops and livestock. Waste-water ponds, marshes, and irrigated fields associated with these agricultural activities provide abundant larval habitats for C. sonorensis midges, in addition to those sites that exist in the natural environment. Within this region, C. sonorensis is an important vector of bluetongue (BTV) and related viruses that adversely affect the international trade and movement of livestock, the economics of livestock production, and animal welfare. To characterize the seasonal dynamics of immature and adult C. sonorensis populations, abundance was monitored intensively on two dairy farms in the Sacramento Valley from August 2012- to July 2013. Adults were sampled every two weeks for 52 weeks by trapping (CDC style traps without light and baited with dry-ice) along N-S and E-W transects on each farm. One farm had large operational waste-water lagoons, whereas the lagoon on the other farm was drained and remained dry during the study. Spring emergence and seasonal abundance of adult C. sonorensis on both farms coincided with rising vernal temperature. Paradoxically, the abundance of midges on the farm without a functioning waste-water lagoon was increased as compared to abundance on the farm with a waste-water lagoon system, indicating that this infrastructure may not serve as the sole, or even the primary larval habitat. Adult midges disappeared from both farms from late November until May; however, low numbers of parous female midges were detected in traps set during daylight in the inter-seasonal winter period. This latter finding is especially critical as it provides a potential mechanism for the "overwintering" of BTV in temperate regions such as northern CA. Precise documentation of temporal changes in the annual abundance and dispersal of Culicoides midges is essential for the creation of models to predict BTV infection of livestock and to develop sound abatement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christie E. Mayo
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Cameron J. Osborne
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Bradley A. Mullens
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Alec C. Gerry
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Ian A. Gardner
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - William K. Reisen
- Center for Vectorborne Diseases, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Christopher M. Barker
- Center for Vectorborne Diseases, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - N. James MacLachlan
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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Impact of mechanical disturbance on the emergence of Culicoides from cowpats. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:1283-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3766-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Does covering of farm-associated Culicoides larval habitat reduce adult populations in the United Kingdom? Vet Parasitol 2013; 201:137-45. [PMID: 24472769 PMCID: PMC3989040 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are the biological vectors of a range of internationally important arboviruses of livestock, including bluetongue virus (BTV) and the recently emerging Schmallenberg virus (SBV). Culicoides species in the subgenus Avaritia (in the UK: Culicoides obsoletus Meigen, Culicoides scoticus Downes & Kettle, Culicoides dewulfi Goetghebuer and Culicoides chiopterus Meigen) have been implicated in BTV transmission in northern Europe and to a varying degree utilise cattle dung as a larval development substrate. The collection of cattle dung into heaps on farms provides a localised source of Culicoides emergence in close proximity to livestock. This study assesses the impact of covering dung heaps prior to the onset of adult Culicoides activity with the aim of reducing recruitment to the local adult populations at four livestock farms in England. Light suction trap catches of adult Culicoides from these farms were compared with those from four untreated control farms from a wide geographic range across the UK. It was demonstrated that implementing control of emergence from dung heaps did not have a significant impact upon the local adult subgenus Avaritia abundance at the treated farm holdings and that the onset of Culicoides activity was similarly unaffected. Use of this method in isolation is unlikely to have an effect in reducing the risk of BTV and SBV transmission. The implications of these results for control of farm-associated Culicoides in Europe are discussed.
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Helmer C, Eibach R, Tegtmeyer PC, Humann-Ziehank E, Runge M, Ganter M. Serosurvey of Schmallenberg Virus Infections in Sheep and Goat Flocks in Lower Saxony, Germany. Transbound Emerg Dis 2013; 62:425-36. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Helmer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation; Hannover Germany
| | - R. Eibach
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation; Hannover Germany
| | - P. C. Tegtmeyer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation; Hannover Germany
| | - E. Humann-Ziehank
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation; Hannover Germany
| | - M. Runge
- Veterinary Institute Hannover-Braunschweig; Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety; Hannover Germany
| | - M. Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation; Hannover Germany
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Abstract
Animal losses due to abortion and malformed offspring during the lambing period 2011/2012 amounted to 50% in ruminants in Europe. A new arthropod-borne virus, called Schmallenberg virus (SBV), was identified as the cause of these losses. Blood samples were obtained from 40 goat flocks and tested for antibodies against SBV by ELISA, with 95% being seropositive. The calculated intra-herd seroprevalence (median 36·7%, min-max 0–93·3%) was smaller than in cattle or sheep flocks. Only 25% of the farmers reported malformations in kids. Statistical analysis revealed a significantly lower risk of goats housed indoors all year-round to be infected by SBV than for goats kept outside day and night. The low intra-herd seroprevalence demonstrates that German goat flocks are still at risk of SBV infection. Therefore, they must be protected during the next lambing seasons by rescheduling the mating period, implementing indoor housing, and continuous treatment with repellents or vaccination.
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