Management of North American Culicoides Biting Midges: Current Knowledge and Research Needs

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.

Evaluation of A Baculovirus-Expressed VP2 Subunit Vaccine for the Protection of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease

“…The geographic distribution of EHDV is broad and includes Africa, the Americas, Australia, Asia, and the Mediterranean basin [2]. With a few exceptions, this distribution is related to the presence of its arthropod vector, namely hematophagous biting midges of the genus Culicoides [3]. The numerous strains of EHDV are categorized into seven serotypes: 1, 2, and 4-8 [4], with serotype 1, 2, and 6 viruses known to circulate in North America [5].…”

Significant reduction in abundance of peridomestic mosquitoes (Culicidae) and Culicoides midges (Ceratopogonidae) after insecticide intervention in western São Paulo, Brazil

“…Thus, the results presented in the current study are promising. The impact of insecticide could be further enhanced if used against adult resting sites and larval feeding sites [66]; in one recent study, a combination of adult insecticides applied outdoors on walls and roofs of animal shelters, combined with applying larvicides on Culicoides breeding sites, resulted in signi cant reductions in Culicoides abundance [67].…”

Risk of vector‐borne diseases for the EU: Entomological aspects – Part 1

“…However, it is striking how little is known of even the most basic aspects of the biology of Culicoides species of concern for transmission of arboviruses (Carpenter, Mellor et al 2008, Pfannenstiel, Mullens et al 2015). …”