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ARS Home » Plains Area » Manhattan, Kansas » Center for Grain and Animal Health Research » ABADRU » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #309265
Title: Management of North American Culicoides biting midges: Current knowledge and research needs

Author
item Pfannenstiel, Robert
item MULLENS, BRADLEY - University Of California
item Ruder, Mark
item ZUREK, LUDEK - Kansas State University
item Cohnstaedt, Lee
item Nayduch, Dana

Submitted to: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2015
Publication Date: 6/18/2015
Citation: Pfannenstiel, R.S., Mullens, B.A., Ruder, M.G., Zurek, L., Cohnstaedt, L.W., Nayduch, D. 2015. Management of North American Culicoides biting midges: Current knowledge and research needs. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. June 2015, 15(6):374-384. DOI:10.1089/vbz.2014.1705

Interpretive Summary: Biting midges are vectors of two important viruses infecting North American cattle, deer and sheep; bluetongue (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHDV). While these viruses have been identified for over 60 years, we still lack an adequate understanding of the basic biology and ecology of the primary known vector, Culicoides sonorensis, and know even less about other possible vector species. The major gaps in our knowledge of the biology of biting midges are broad and include: an understanding 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 EHDV or BTV in North America, or respond to emerging or exotic biting midge transmitted pathogens. Here we outline current knowledge of vector ecology and control options for North American biting midges and delineate research recommendations aimed to fill knowledge gaps and lead to the design and implementation of control tactics.

Technical Abstract: Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are biological vectors of two important viruses infecting North American ruminants: bluetongue (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHDV). While these viruses have been identified for over 60 years, we still lack an adequate understanding of the basic biology and ecology of the primary known 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 ecology of immature Culicoides, 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 EHDV or BTV in North America, or respond to emerging or exotic Culicoides-transmitted pathogens. Here we outline current knowledge of vector ecology and control options for North American Culicoides species and delineate research recommendations aimed to fill knowledge gaps and subsequently inform the design and implementation of control tactics.