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Hudson AR, McGregor BL, Shults P, England M, Silbernagel C, Mayo C, Carpenter M, Sherman TJ, Cohnstaedt LW. Culicoides-borne Orbivirus epidemiology in a changing climate. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:1221-1229. [PMID: 37862060 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad098] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Orbiviruses are of significant importance to the health of wildlife and domestic animals worldwide; the major orbiviruses transmitted by multiple biting midge (Culicoides) species include bluetongue virus, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, and African horse sickness virus. The viruses, insect vectors, and hosts are anticipated to be impacted by global climate change, altering established Orbivirus epidemiology. Changes in global climate have the potential to alter the vector competence and extrinsic incubation period of certain biting midge species, affect local and long-distance dispersal dynamics, lead to range expansion in the geographic distribution of vector species, and increase transmission period duration (earlier spring onset and later fall transmission). If transmission intensity is associated with weather anomalies such as droughts and wind speeds, there may be changes in the number of outbreaks and periods between outbreaks for some regions. Warmer temperatures and changing climates may impact the viral genome by facilitating reassortment and through the emergence of novel viral mutations. As the climate changes, Orbivirus epidemiology will be inextricably altered as has been seen with recent outbreaks of bluetongue, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, and African horse sickness outside of endemic areas, and requires interdisciplinary teams and approaches to assess and mitigate future outbreak threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Hudson
- Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, USDA Agricultural Research Service, 1515 College Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Bethany L McGregor
- Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, USDA Agricultural Research Service, 1515 College Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Phillip Shults
- Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, USDA Agricultural Research Service, 1515 College Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | | | - Constance Silbernagel
- Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, USDA APHIS, 2150 Centre Ave, Bldg B, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Christie Mayo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University (CSU), 1601 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Molly Carpenter
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University (CSU), 1601 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Tyler J Sherman
- Diagnostic Medicine Center, Colorado State University (CSU), 2450 Gillette Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Lee W Cohnstaedt
- The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), 1980 Denison Ave., Manhattan, KS 66505, USA
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Species delimitation and mitonuclear discordance within a species complex of biting midges. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1730. [PMID: 35110675 PMCID: PMC8810881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05856-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The inability to distinguish between species can be a serious problem in groups responsible for pathogen transmission. Culicoides biting midges transmit many pathogenic agents infecting wildlife and livestock. In North America, the C. variipennis species complex contains three currently recognized species, only one of which is a known vector, but limited species-specific characters have hindered vector surveillance. Here, genomic data were used to investigate population structure and genetic differentiation within this species complex. Single nucleotide polymorphism data were generated for 206 individuals originating from 17 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Clustering analyses suggest the occurrence of two additional cryptic species within this complex. All five species were significantly differentiated in both sympatry and allopatry. Evidence of hybridization was detected in three different species pairings indicating incomplete reproductive isolation. Additionally, COI sequences were used to identify the hybrid parentage of these individuals, which illuminated discordance between the divergence of the mitochondrial and nuclear datasets.
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A Review of the Vector Status of North American Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for Bluetongue Virus, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, and Other Arboviruses of Concern. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022; 9:130-139. [PMID: 36105115 PMCID: PMC9463510 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00263-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Culicoides biting midges transmit several pathogens of veterinary importance in North America, but the vector status of many midge species is unresolved. Additionally, the available evidence of vector competence in these species is scattered and variable. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge on confirmed and putative North American Culicoides arbovirus vectors. Recent Findings While the vector status of Culicoides sonorensis (EHDV, BTV, VSV) and Culicoides insignis (BTV) are well established, several other potential vector species have been recently identified. Frequently, these species are implicated based primarily on host-feeding, abundance, and/or detection of arboviruses from field-collected insects, and often lack laboratory infection and transmission data necessary to fully confirm their vector status. Recent genetic studies have also indicated that some wide-ranging species likely represent several cryptic species, further complicating our understanding of their vector status. Summary In most cases, laboratory evidence needed to fully understand the vector status of the putative Culicoides vectors is absent; however, it appears that several species are likely contributing to the transmission of arboviruses in North America.
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Tomaszewski E, Jennings M, Munk B, Botta R, Lewison R. Landscape Seroprevalence of Three Hemorrhagic Disease-Causing Viruses in a Wild Cervid. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:182-193. [PMID: 34515899 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01546-8] [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: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Disease plays a major role in shaping wildlife populations worldwide, and changes in landscape conditions can significantly influence risk of pathogen exposure, a threat to vulnerable wild species. Three viruses that cause hemorrhagic disease affect cervid populations in the USA (Odocoileus hemionus adenovirus, bluetongue virus, and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus), but little is known of their distribution and prevalence in wild populations. We explored the distribution and co-occurrence of seroprevalence of these three pathogens in southern mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus fuliginatus), a subspecies of conservation concern and a harvested species native to southern California, to evaluate the distribution of exposure to these pathogens relative to landscape attributes. We found that habitat type, level of development, and proximity to livestock may affect hemorrhagic disease seroprevalence in southern mule deer. Continued monitoring of hemorrhagic disease-causing viruses in areas where deer are in proximity to cattle and human development is needed to better understand the implications of future outbreaks in wild populations and to identify opportunities to mitigate disease impacts in southern mule deer and other cervid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Tomaszewski
- San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1416 9th St., 12th Floor, Sacramento, CA, 95814, USA.
| | - Megan Jennings
- San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Brandon Munk
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1416 9th St., 12th Floor, Sacramento, CA, 95814, USA
| | - Randy Botta
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1416 9th St., 12th Floor, Sacramento, CA, 95814, USA
| | - Rebecca Lewison
- San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
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Validation of an Effective Protocol for Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Detection Using eDNA Metabarcoding. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12050401. [PMID: 33946322 PMCID: PMC8146839 DOI: 10.3390/insects12050401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary All organisms shed genetic material into the environment, which is known as environmental DNA. Current molecular technologies allow for sequencing molecular markers in complex environmental samples. The use of these methods permits an effective identification and monitoring of flighted insects such as Culicoides species. These biting midges are agricultural pests of significant economic concern. This study identified Culicoides species using a novel molecular-based approach for this group and compared these results to morphological identifications of the specimens collected. There were forty-two Culicoides specimens collected in total, using a saturated salt solution as a collection fluid. Molecular identification detected four species. Using morphological identification, we identified two out of these four taxonomic ranks at the species level and one at the subgenus level. The inconsistency in identifying Culicoides specimens to the species level indicates the need for curated DNA reference libraries for molecular-based identification. The saturated salt solution used in the traps preserved the morphological characteristics and the organisms’ environmental DNA, which is an essential contribution of this study. Abstract eDNA metabarcoding is an effective molecular-based identification method for the biosurveillance of flighted insects. An eDNA surveillance approach maintains specimens for secondary morphological identification useful for regulatory applications. This study identified Culicoides species using eDNA metabarcoding and compared these results to morphological identifications of trapped specimens. Insects were collected using ultraviolet (UV) lighted fan traps containing a saturated salt (NaCl) solution from two locations in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. There were forty-two Culicoides specimens collected in total. Molecular identification detected four species, C. biguttatus, C. stellifer, C. obsoletus, and C. mulrennani. Using morphological identification, two out of these four taxonomic ranks were confirmed at the species level (C. biguttatus and C. stellifer) and one was confirmed at the subgenus level (Avaritia [C. obsoletus]). No molecular detection of Culicoides species occurred in traps with an abundance of less than three individuals per taxon. The inconsistency in identifying Culicoides specimens to the species level punctuates the need for curated DNA reference libraries for Culicoides. In conclusion, the saturated salt (NaCl) solution preserved the Culicoides’ morphological characteristics and the eDNA.
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Casey CL, Rathbun SL, Stallknecht DE, Ruder MG. Spatial Analysis of the 2017 Outbreak of Hemorrhagic Disease and Physiographic Region in the Eastern United States. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040550. [PMID: 33806137 PMCID: PMC8064433 DOI: 10.3390/v13040550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhagic disease (HD) is considered one of the most significant infectious diseases of white-tailed deer in North America. Investigations into environmental conditions associated with outbreaks suggest drought conditions are strongly correlated with outbreaks in some regions of the United States. However, during 2017, an HD outbreak occurred in the Eastern United States which appeared to be associated with a specific physiographic region, the Appalachian Plateau, and not drought conditions. The objective of this study was to determine if reported HD in white-tailed deer in 2017 was correlated with physiographic region. There were 456 reports of HD from 1605 counties across 26 states and 12 physiographic regions. Of the 93 HD reports confirmed by virus isolation, 76.3% (71/93) were identified as EHDV-2 and 66.2% (47/71) were from the Appalachian Plateau. A report of HD was 4.4 times more likely to occur in the Appalachian Plateau than not in 2017. Autologistic regression models suggested a statistically significant spatial dependence. The underlying factors explaining this correlation are unknown, but may be related to a variety of host, vector, or environmental factors. This unique outbreak and its implications for HD epidemiology highlight the importance for increased surveillance and reporting efforts in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L. Casey
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Dive, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (C.L.C.); (D.E.S.)
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, 1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
| | - Stephen L. Rathbun
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, 101 Buck Road, B.S. Miller Hall, Athens, GA 30606, USA;
| | - David E. Stallknecht
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Dive, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (C.L.C.); (D.E.S.)
| | - Mark G. Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Dive, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (C.L.C.); (D.E.S.)
- Correspondence:
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McGregor BL, Erram D, Alto BW, Lednicky JA, Wisely SM, Burkett-Cadena ND. Vector Competence of Florida Culicoides insignis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype-2. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030410. [PMID: 33807536 PMCID: PMC7998304 DOI: 10.3390/v13030410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV; family Reoviridae, genus Orbivirus) is an arthropod-borne virus of ungulates, primarily white-tailed deer in North America. Culicoides sonorensis, the only confirmed North American vector of EHDV, is rarely collected from Florida despite annual virus outbreaks. Culicoides insignis is an abundant species in Florida and is also a confirmed vector of the closely related Bluetongue virus. In this study, oral challenge of C. insignis was performed to determine vector competence for EHDV serotype-2. Field-collected female midges were provided bovine blood spiked with three different titers of EHDV-2 (5.05, 4.00, or 2.94 log10PFUe/mL). After an incubation period of 10 days or after death, bodies and legs were collected. Saliva was collected daily from all females from 3 days post feeding until their death using honey card assays. All samples were tested for EHDV RNA using RT-qPCR. Our results suggest that C. insignis is a weakly competent vector of EHDV-2 that can support a transmissible infection when it ingests a high virus titer (29% of midges had virus positive saliva when infected at 5.05 log10PFUe/mL), but not lower virus titers. Nevertheless, due to the high density of this species, particularly in peninsular Florida, it is likely that C. insignis plays a role in the transmission of EHDV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L. McGregor
- Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-785-477-1259
| | - Dinesh Erram
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA; (D.E.); (B.W.A.); (N.D.B.-C.)
| | - Barry W. Alto
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA; (D.E.); (B.W.A.); (N.D.B.-C.)
| | - John A. Lednicky
- Department of Environmental & Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA; (D.E.); (B.W.A.); (N.D.B.-C.)
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McGregor BL, Connelly CR, Kenney JL. Infection, Dissemination, and Transmission Potential of North American Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tarsalis, and Culicoides sonorensis for Oropouche Virus. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020226. [PMID: 33540546 PMCID: PMC7912852 DOI: 10.3390/v13020226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Oropouche virus (OROV), a vector-borne Orthobunyavirus circulating in South and Central America, causes a febrile illness with high rates of morbidity but with no documented fatalities. Oropouche virus is transmitted by numerous vectors, including multiple genera of mosquitoes and Culicoides biting midges in South America. This study investigated the vector competence of three North American vectors, Culex tarsalis, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Culicoides sonorensis, for OROV. Cohorts of each species were fed an infectious blood meal containing 6.5 log10 PFU/mL OROV and incubated for 10 or 14 days. Culex tarsalis demonstrated infection (3.13%) but not dissemination or transmission potential at 10 days post infection (DPI). At 10 and 14 DPI, Cx. quinquefasciatus demonstrated 9.71% and 19.3% infection, 2.91% and 1.23% dissemination, and 0.97% and 0.82% transmission potential, respectively. Culicoides sonorensis demonstrated 86.63% infection, 83.14% dissemination, and 19.77% transmission potential at 14 DPI. Based on these data, Cx. tarsalis is unlikely to be a competent vector for OROV. Culex quinquefasciatus demonstrated infection, dissemination, and transmission potential, although at relatively low rates. Culicoides sonorensis demonstrated high infection and dissemination but may have a salivary gland barrier to the virus. These data have implications for the spread of OROV in the event of a North American introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L. McGregor
- Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA;
| | - C. Roxanne Connelly
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA;
| | - Joan L. Kenney
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-970-221-6465
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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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10
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Allen SE, Rothenburger JL, Jardine CM, Ambagala A, Hooper-McGrevy K, Colucci N, Furukawa-Stoffer T, Vigil S, Ruder M, Nemeth NM. Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in White-Tailed Deer, Canada. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:832-834. [PMID: 30882321 PMCID: PMC6433007 DOI: 10.3201/eid2504.180743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease affects wild and domestic ruminants and has recently spread northward within the United States. In September 2017, we detected epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in wild white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, in east-central Canada. Culicoides spp. midges of the subgenus Avaritia were the most common potential vectors identified on site.
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11
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Martin E, Chu E, Shults P, Golnar A, Swanson DA, Benn J, Kim D, Schneider P, Pena S, Culver C, Medeiros MCI, Hamer SA, Hamer GL. Culicoides species community composition and infection status with parasites in an urban environment of east central Texas, USA. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:39. [PMID: 30651144 PMCID: PMC6335769 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3283-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their importance as vectors of zoonotic parasites that can impact human and animal health, Culicoides species distribution across different habitat types is largely unknown. Here we document the community composition of Culicoides found in an urban environment including developed and natural sites in east central Texas, a region of high vector diversity due to subtropical climates, and report their infection status with haemoparasites. RESULTS A total of 251 individual Culicoides were collected from May to June 2016 representing ten Culicoides species, dominated by C. neopulicaris followed by C. crepuscularis. We deposited 63 sequences to GenBank among which 25 were the first deposition representative for six Culicoides species: C. arboricola (n = 1); C. nanus (n = 4); C. debilipalpis (n = 2); C. haematopotus (n = 14); C. edeni (n = 3); and C. hinmani (n = 1). We also record for the first time the presence of C. edeni in Texas, a species previously known to occur in the Bahamas, Florida and South Carolina. The urban environments with natural area (sites 2 and 4) had higher species richness than sites more densely populated or in a parking lot (sites 1 and 3) although a rarefaction analysis suggested at least two of these sites were not sampled sufficiently to characterize species richness. We detected a single C. crepuscularis positive for Onchocercidae gen. sp. DNA and another individual of the same species positive for Haemoproteus sacharovi DNA, yielding a 2.08% prevalence (n = 251) for both parasites in this species. CONCLUSIONS We extend the knowledge of the Culicoides spp. community in an urban environment of Texas, USA, and contribute to novel sequence data for these species. Additionally, the presence of parasite DNA (Onchocercidae gen. sp. and H. sacharovi) from C. crepuscularis suggests the potential for this species to be a vector of these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Martin
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Elaine Chu
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Phillip Shults
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew Golnar
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Dustin A Swanson
- USDA-ARS Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit, 1515 College Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66502, USA
| | - Jamie Benn
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Dongmin Kim
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Peter Schneider
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Samantha Pena
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Cassie Culver
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew C I Medeiros
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
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12
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Erram D, Burkett-Cadena N. Laboratory studies on the oviposition stimuli of Culicoides stellifer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a suspected vector of Orbiviruses in the United States. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:300. [PMID: 29769137 PMCID: PMC5956791 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2891-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) exert a significant impact on animal agriculture worldwide because they transmit bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) to ruminants. Without effective vaccines, BTV/EHDV vector management strategies are needed, particularly in commercial white-tailed deer (WTD) facilities. However, detailed information on the ecology of midge immatures in/around cervid operations is currently lacking. Towards filling this knowledge gap, we conducted two-choice oviposition experiments with field-collected Culicoides stellifer Coquillett (a suspected vector of BTV/EHDV in the USA) under laboratory conditions to examine which natural source from the larval habitat is relatively more attractive for midge oviposition. Methods Field-collected C. stellifer females (CDC-UV light traps) were given a blood meal from live chicken and examined for their oviposition preferences for individual (or mixed) potential larval habitat oviposition stimuli in two-choice bioassays. Substrates included mud from C. stellifer habitat, mud from allopatric site, vegetation (Sphagnum spp. mosses), field water, WTD manure and de-ionized water (control). Results The majority of midges (91%) oviposited in only one dish, with few females (9%) ovipositing in both the dishes. Gravid females demonstrated an overall oviposition preference for substrates with mud and vegetation from the larval habitat, depositing a significantly higher proportion of eggs on mud (52.3%) and vegetation (81.8%) than on controls (≤ 18.2%) (P ≤ 0.0320). Moreover, greater number of eggs per female were deposited on mud (29.5–40.7 depending on trial) and vegetation (38.2) than on controls (≤ 5.8). WTD manure, field water and mud from allopatric site were not found to be more attractive than controls for oviposition. Combining individual substrates (mud + WTD manure; mud + moss + WTD manure + field water) did not elicit greater oviposition responses than mud or moss alone. Conclusions Management strategies to discourage C. stellifer oviposition in/around commercial cervid facilities should likely focus on mud and/or vegetation, rather than WTD manure. However, further studies are needed to examine whether the spatial distributions of C. stellifer and Sphagnum spp. moss are correlated, and to determine whether targeting vegetation in/around cervid facilities can contribute to reductions in local midge densities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2891-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Erram
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, IFAS, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL, 32962, USA.
| | - Nathan Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, IFAS, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL, 32962, USA
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