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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #235033
Title: Repellent pesticides for the control of Culicoides sonorensis on sheep

Author
item Reeves, Will
item LLOYD, JOHN - UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
item STOBART, ROBERT - UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
item JOHNSTON, GREGORY - MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
item Stith, Charles
item Bennett, Kristine
item Miller, Myrna

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/23/2008
Publication Date: 11/18/2008
Citation: Reeves, W.K., Lloyd, J.E., Stobart, R., Johnston, G., Stith, C.E., Bennett, K.E., Miller, M.M. 2008. Repellent pesticides for the control of Culicoides sonorensis on sheep. Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Bluetongue disease is a sporadic and unpredictable disease in the northern Rocky Mountains. Epizootics can be separated by decades of little to no disease activity. Woolgrowers need access to control technologies that can be used after an outbreak is detected. We tested 6 formulations of midge repellent pesticides against Culicoides sonorensis, the primary vector of bluetongue in the western USA. Synthetic pyrethroids with PBO (a synergist) applied with both ear tags and a low volume spray were effective in repelling biting midges for up to 5 weeks. These pesticides are low cost and can be applied during an outbreak and might protect sheep during the autumn until freezing weather sets in and kills the biting midges.