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Benn JS, Orange JP, Gomez JP, Dinh ETN, McGregor BL, Blosser EM, Burkett-Cadena ND, Wisely SM, Blackburn JK. Culicoides Midge Abundance across Years: Modeling Inter-Annual Variation for an Avian Feeder and a Candidate Vector of Hemorrhagic Diseases in Farmed Wildlife. Viruses 2024; 16:766. [PMID: 38793647 PMCID: PMC11125994 DOI: 10.3390/v16050766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) and bluetongue virus (BTV) are orbiviruses that cause hemorrhagic disease (HD) with significant economic and population health impacts on domestic livestock and wildlife. In the United States, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are particularly susceptible to these viruses and are a frequent blood meal host for various species of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) that transmit orbiviruses. The species of Culicoides that transmit EHDV and BTV vary between regions, and larval habitats can differ widely between vector species. Understanding how midges are distributed across landscapes can inform HD virus transmission risk on a local scale, allowing for improved animal management plans to avoid suspected high-risk areas or target these areas for insecticide control. (2) Methods: We used occupancy modeling to estimate the abundance of gravid (egg-laden) and parous (most likely to transmit the virus) females of two putative vector species, C. stellifer and C. venustus, and one species, C. haematopotus, that was not considered a putative vector. We developed a universal model to determine habitat preferences, then mapped a predicted weekly midge abundance during the HD transmission seasons in 2015 (July-October) and 2016 (May-October) in Florida. (3) Results: We found differences in habitat preferences and spatial distribution between the parous and gravid states for C. haematopotus and C. stellifer. Gravid midges preferred areas close to water on the border of well and poorly drained soil. They also preferred mixed bottomland hardwood habitats, whereas parous midges appeared less selective of habitat. (4) Conclusions: If C. stellifer is confirmed as an EHDV vector in this region, the distinct spatial and abundance patterns between species and physiological states suggest that the HD risk is non-random across the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie S. Benn
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, 3141 Turlington Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.S.B.); (J.P.O.)
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jeremy P. Orange
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, 3141 Turlington Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.S.B.); (J.P.O.)
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Juan Pablo Gomez
- Departamento de Química y Biología, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla 080001, Colombia;
| | - Emily T. N. Dinh
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 333 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933, USA;
| | - Bethany L. McGregor
- USDA-ARS-Center for Grain and Animal Health Research-Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, 1515 College Ave, Manhatten, KS 66506, USA;
| | - Erik M. Blosser
- Sutter-Yuba Mosquito & Vector Control District, 701 Bogue Road, Yuba City, CA 95991, USA;
| | - Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, 200 9th St SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA;
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, 3141 Turlington Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.S.B.); (J.P.O.)
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Osborne CJ, Cohnstaedt LW, Silver KS. Outlook on RNAi-Based Strategies for Controlling Culicoides Biting Midges. Pathogens 2023; 12:1251. [PMID: 37887767 PMCID: PMC10610143 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Culicoides are small biting midges with the capacity to transmit important livestock pathogens around much of the world, and their impacts on animal welfare are likely to expand. Hemorrhagic diseases resulting from Culicoides-vectored viruses, for example, can lead to millions of dollars in economic damages for producers. Chemical insecticides can reduce Culicoides abundance but may not suppress population numbers enough to prevent pathogen transmission. These insecticides can also cause negative effects on non-target organisms and ecosystems. RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular regulatory mechanism that degrades mRNA and suppresses gene expression. Studies have examined the utility of this mechanism for insect pest control, and with it, have described the hurdles towards producing, optimizing, and applying these RNAi-based products. These methods hold promise for being highly specific and environmentally benign when compared to chemical insecticides and are more transient than engineering transgenic insects. Given the lack of available control options for Culicoides, RNAi-based products could be an option to treat large areas with minimal environmental impact. In this study, we describe the state of current Culicoides control methods, successes and hurdles towards using RNAi for pest control, and the necessary research required to bring an RNAi-based control method to fruition for Culicoides midges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J. Osborne
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
| | - Lee W. Cohnstaedt
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, Agricultural Research Service, United Stated Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Kristopher S. Silver
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
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Allen SE, Vigil SL, Furukawa-Stoffer T, Colucci N, Ambagala A, Pearl DL, Ruder MG, Jardine CM, Nemeth NM. Abundance and diversity of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in southern Ontario, Canada. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:201. [PMID: 37316934 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05799-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) is a genus of hematophagous midges feeding on various vertebrate hosts and serving as a vector for numerous pathogens important to livestock and wildlife health. North American pathogens include bluetongue (BT) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) viruses. Little is known about Culicoides spp. distribution and abundance and species composition in Ontario, Canada, despite bordering numerous U.S. states with documented Culicoides spp. and BT and EHD virus activity. We sought to characterize Culicoides spp. distribution and abundance and to investigate whether select meteorological and ecological risk factors influenced the abundance of Culicoides biguttatus, C. stellifer, and the subgenus Avaritia trapped throughout southern Ontario. METHODS From June to October of 2017 to 2018, CDC-type LED light suction traps were placed on twelve livestock-associated sites across southern Ontario. Culicoides spp. collected were morphologically identified to the species level when possible. Associations were examined using negative binomial regression among C. biguttatus, C. stellifer, and subgenus Avaritia abundance, and select factors: ambient temperature, rainfall, primary livestock species, latitude, and habitat type. RESULTS In total, 33,905 Culicoides spp. midges were collected, encompassing 14 species from seven subgenera and one species group. Culicoides sonorensis was collected from three sites during both years. Within Ontario, the northern trapping locations had a pattern of seasonal peak abundance in August (2017) and July (2018), and the southern locations had abundance peaks in June for both years. Culicoides biguttatus, C. stellifer, and subgenus Avaritia were significantly more abundant if ovine was the primary livestock species at trapping sites (compared to bovine). Culicoides stellifer and subgenus Avaritia were significantly more abundant at mid- to high-temperature ranges on trap days (i.e., 17.3-20.2 and 20.3-31.0 °C compared to 9.5-17.2 °C). Additionally, subgenus Avaritia were significantly more abundant if rainfall 4 weeks prior was between 2.7 and 20.1 mm compared to 0.0 mm and if rainfall 8 weeks prior was between 0.1 and 2.1 mm compared to 0.0 mm. CONCLUSIONS Results from our study describe Culicoides spp. distribution in southern Ontario, the potential for spread and maintenance of EHD and BT viruses, and concurrent health risks to livestock and wildlife in southern Ontario in reference to certain meteorological and ecological risk factors. We identified that Culicoides spp. are diverse in this province, and appear to be distinctly distributed spatially and temporally. The livestock species present, temperature, and rainfall appear to have an impact on the abundance of C. biguttatus, C. stellifer, and subgenus Avaritia trapped. These findings could help inform targeted surveillance, control measures, and the development of management guides for Culicoides spp. and EHD and BT viruses in southern Ontario, Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E Allen
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Veterinary Services, Laramie, USA.
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.
| | - Stacey L Vigil
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
| | - Tara Furukawa-Stoffer
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Centre for Animal Diseases, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Nicole Colucci
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Centre for Animal Diseases, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Aruna Ambagala
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - David L Pearl
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Mark G Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
| | - Claire M Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Nicole M Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
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Black TV, Quaglia AI, Wisely S, Burkett-Cadena N. Field Comparison of Removed Substrate Sampling and Emergence Traps for Estimating Culicoides Orbivirus Vectors in Northern Florida. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1660-1668. [PMID: 35802003 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The larval ecology of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) influences their spatial distributions and the pathogens they transmit. These features are of special concern for deer farmers in Florida where epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) is a major source of mortality in captive herds. Rarity of larval morphological expertise leads many researchers to study larval ecology by quantifying emergence, either with field emergence traps or removing substrate from the field for observation under laboratory conditions. We investigated the comparability of these methods in Florida seepages where two recently implicated EHDV vectors, Culicoides stellifer Coquillett and Culicoides venustus Hoffman, are common. We compared the abundance and composition of emerging Culicoides collected from emergence traps with removed substrate samples (soil plugs) at three seepages. Soil plugs were sampled adjacent to the emergence trap and from underneath the trap footprint, and then monitored under laboratory conditions for 11-13 wk to compare the methods and to assess the role of incubation period for removed substrate samples. Emergence traps and removed substrate sampling largely agreed on community compositions and trends within different seepages. However, comparatively large numbers of C. stellifer emerged later than expected and well into the incubation period with emergence still occurring after 13 wk (90 d). Removed substrate samples were more similar to emergence traps at shorter incubation times. The importance of time for the capture of Culicoides in removed substrate sampling was more pronounced than we anticipated and is important from both a methodological and biological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Vincent Black
- University of Florida IFAS, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Agustin Ignacio Quaglia
- University of Florida IFAS, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Samantha Wisely
- Wildlife and Conservation Department, University of Florida IFAS, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Nathan Burkett-Cadena
- University of Florida IFAS, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
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Allen SE, Vigil SL, Jardine CM, Furukawa-Stoffer T, Colucci N, Ambagala A, Ruder MG, Nemeth NM. New Distribution Records of Biting Midges of the Genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Latreille, Culicoides bergi and Culicoides baueri, in Southern Ontario, Canada. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1467-1472. [PMID: 35468207 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Some species of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) can be pests as well as pathogen vectors, but data on their distribution in Ontario, Canada, are sparse. Collecting this baseline data is important given ongoing, accelerated alterations in global climate patterns that may favor the establishment of some species in northern latitudes. Culicoides spp. were surveyed using UV light traps over two seasons in 2017 and 2018 at livestock farms in southern Ontario, Canada. Two Culicoides spp. not previously recorded in Canada were identified, C. bergi and C. baueri, representing new country and provincial records. Unlike some congenerics, these two species are not currently recognized as vectors of pathogens that pose a health risk to humans, livestock or wildlife in North America. However, the possibility that these Culicoides species may have recently expanded their geographic range, potentially in association with climate and/or landscape changes, warrants ongoing attention and research. Furthermore, our results provoke the question of the potential undocumented diversity of Culicoides spp. in Ontario and other parts of Canada, and whether other Culicoides spp. may be undergoing range expansion. The current and future distributions of Culicoides spp., and other potential vectors of human, agricultural, and wildlife health significance, are important to identify for proper disease risk assessment, mitigation, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Allen
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 419 Gordon St, Guelph N1G 2W1, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 419 Gordon Street, Guelph N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - S L Vigil
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - C M Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 419 Gordon St, Guelph N1G 2W1, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 419 Gordon Street, Guelph N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T Furukawa-Stoffer
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Centre for Animal Diseases, 225090 Township Road 9-1, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0P3, Canada
| | - N Colucci
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Centre for Animal Diseases, 225090 Township Road 9-1, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0P3, Canada
| | - A Ambagala
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, 1015 Arlington St, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P6, Canada
| | - M G Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - N M Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Georgia, 501 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Erram D, Vincent Black T, Burkett-Cadena N. Host Bloodmeal Source Has No Significant Effect on the Fecundity and Subsequent Larval Development Traits of the Progeny in Culicoides furens Poey (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:2439-2445. [PMID: 33999171 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab085] [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: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides Latreille species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are insects of significant medical and veterinary importance worldwide because their bites can cause major annoyance, allergic reactions, and/or pathogen transmission to vertebrates, including humans. In this study, we examined the effect of host bloodmeal source on the fecundity and subsequent larval development traits of the progeny of Culicoides furens Poey, a nuisance species in coastal Florida. Field-collected females were fed on two different classes of hosts: birds (chicken) or mammals (human). Fecundity outcomes of the females and larval developmental traits of the progeny were recorded and compared between the two groups. The percentage of females that developed eggs, percentage of gravid females that deposited eggs, number of eggs produced per female, number of eggs deposited per female, egg hatch rates, larval survival rates, time to pupation, pupal sex-ratios, and adult eclosion rates were not significantly different between the two groups. Our results demonstrate that the host bloodmeal source has no significant effect on the fecundity and subsequent larval developmental life-history traits of the progeny in C. furens. Previous studies reported C. furens to be a generalist feeder that shows no host preference for birds or mammals. Collectively, these findings suggest that C. furens is well adapted, not just behaviorally, but also physiologically to efficiently utilize blood meals from avian and mammalian hosts, a quality that offers a major evolutionary advantage to the success of this midge species as a generalist feeder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Erram
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, UF/IFAS, Vero Beach, FL, USA
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Erram D, Burkett-Cadena N. Oviposition of Culicoides insignis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) under laboratory conditions with notes on the developmental life history traits of its immature stages. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:522. [PMID: 34627349 PMCID: PMC8501582 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Culicoides insignis is a confirmed vector of bluetongue virus (BTV) throughout the American tropics and a possible vector of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) in Florida. Despite its importance, fundamental information on the biology and ecology of this vector species is lacking. In this study, we examined the oviposition of C. insignis under laboratory conditions, monitored the development of immature stages and attempted colonization of this species. METHODS Live C. insignis females were collected from the field using CDC-UV-LED traps, allowed to blood-feed on live chicken and given various natural substrates for oviposition in two-choice assays. The eggs deposited were transferred to 0.3% agar slants, and the hatched larvae were provided a diet of Panagrellus redivivus Linnaeus nematodes and the development of all immature stages was monitored. RESULTS Culicoides insignis females exhibited an overall oviposition preference for dishes containing mud from their larval habitat as gravid females deposited a significantly higher number of eggs on these dishes (35.3 eggs/female) than on controls (17.7 eggs/female). The ovipositing females also deposited a higher percentage of eggs on substrates with habitat mud and other organically enriched muds (≥ 75.2%) compared to controls (31.0%). The larvae developed successfully to adulthood on the nematode diet, exhibiting high overall larval survival rates (85.0%). Sex ratios of the F1 generation were male biased, approximately 3:1 (male:female). Captive mating could not be induced in the F1 adults. CONCLUSIONS Mud from the larval habitat and other organically enriched muds provide strong oviposition cues to C. insignis under laboratory conditions. Further studies will be needed to identify the key biotic/abiotic factors influencing midge oviposition in the field. The agar/nematode method is effective for the rearing of C. insignis larvae. However, further studies will be needed to address the issue of male-biased sex ratios in the progeny and to examine the mating habits/cues of C. insignis in nature, which may provide clues towards inducing captive mating in the F1 adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Erram
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL, 32962, USA.
| | - Nathan Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL, 32962, USA
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Modeling Abundance of Culicoides stellifer, a Candidate Orbivirus Vector, Indicates Nonrandom Hemorrhagic Disease Risk for White-Tailed Deer ( Odocoileus virginianus). Viruses 2021; 13:v13071328. [PMID: 34372534 PMCID: PMC8310359 DOI: 10.3390/v13071328] [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: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Hemorrhagic diseases in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are caused by orbiviruses and have significant economic impact on the deer ranching industry in the United States. Culicoides stellifer is a suspected vector of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), with recent field evidence from Florida, but its natural history is poorly understood. Studying the distribution and abundance of C. stellifer across the landscape can inform our knowledge of how virus transmission can occur locally. We may then target vector management strategies in areas where viral transmission can occur. (2) Methods: Here, we used an occupancy modeling approach to estimate abundance of adult C. stellifer females at various physiological states to determine habitat preferences. We then mapped midge abundance during the orbiviral disease transmission period (May–October) in Florida. (3) Results: We found that overall, midge abundance was positively associated with sites in closer proximity to large-animal feeders. Additionally, midges generally preferred mixed bottomland hardwood and agricultural/sand/water habitats. Female C. stellifer with different physiological states preferred different habitats. (4) Conclusions: The differences in habitat preferences between midges across states indicate that disease risk for deer is heterogeneous across this landscape. This can inform how effective vector management strategies should be implemented.
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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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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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Resource Selection by Wild and Ranched White-Tailed Deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) during the Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) Transmission Season in Florida. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010211. [PMID: 33467117 PMCID: PMC7830392 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010211] [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: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus is transmitted by Culicoides midges and causes serious disease in wild and privately ranched white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the United States. The U.S. deer ranching industry is fast growing and generates an estimated ~USD 8 billion annually. In Florida, there are over 400 registered deer farms, and virus rates are high among these populations. While vaccines for the virus are becoming available, many farms have large hunting preserves, where safely capturing deer is difficult. At the same time, these farms are situated in proximity to wild deer populations, and both populations are at risk. We studied habitat selection in ranched deer within a ~180 ha high-fenced preserve. We GPS-collared deer in the hunting preserve and nearby state-managed lands to compare habitat selection. During 2016, we collected GPS data from 15 ranched and eight wild deer and built resource selection function models. These models suggest ranched deer select habitats more likely to support several midge species that transmit the virus compared to wild deer. These differences in habitat use may partially explain previously confirmed higher rates of disease exposure in the ranched deer. Our results may inform ranch land management strategies that reduce midge–deer contact. Abstract Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) causes serious disease in wild and privately ranched white-tailed deer (Odocoileusvirginianus) in the United States. In Florida, there is high EHDV prevalence, yet no treatments. There are few management strategies for the disease due to limited knowledge of virus–vector–host interactions. We conducted a telemetry study on white-tailed deer to examine resource use by wild and ranched animals in the Florida panhandle during the 2016 transmission risk period. We built generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to estimate resource selection and map habitat preferences for wild and ranched deer in the study area to reveal how second-order selection may relate to higher disease prevalence in ranched deer. Wild deer preferred areas closer to tertiary roads and supplementary food sources but farther from permanent water. Ranched deer selected bottomland mixed forest and areas closer to tertiary roads, supplementary food sources, and permanent water. Ranched deer behaviors may increase the likelihood of EHDV vector encounters, as these deer selected preferred habitats of several putative vector species, which may increase vector blood meal success and viral transmission risk. Disparate resource selection behaviors may be a factor in observed differential EHDV exposure risk between ranched and wild white-tailed deer in Florida.
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Erram D, Burkett-Cadena N. Laboratory Rearing of Culicoides stellifer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a Suspected Vector of Orbiviruses in the United States. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:25-32. [PMID: 31602460 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory rearing procedures of Culicoides stellifer Coquillett (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were evaluated with an aim towards colonization of this species. Eggs collected from field-collected gravid females were placed on 0.25% agar slants and given a diet of 1) nematodes (Panagrellus redivivus Linnaeus), 2) nematodes + lactalbumin and yeast (LY), 3) microbes from nematode medium, and 4) tap water (autoclaved). Complete larval development to adult stage occurred only in two treatments: 1) nematodes and 2) nematodes + LY. Culicoides stellifer larvae could not survive beyond 1 wk on a diet of microbes alone or in the sterile water treatment. Larval survival rates were high using nematode diet (79.2 ± 11.3% [mean ± SE]) but were slightly lower in the nematode + LY group (66.5 ± 19.6%). Larval stage lasted ~21 d in both treatments. Sex ratio of F1 adults was ~1:1 (M:F) using nematode diet but was male biased (~2:1) with nematode + LY diet. These findings collectively suggest that a microbial community is required for midge larvae, either to support invertebrate prey base or as a potential food source. But in the present study, the supplied microbes alone were not sufficient to support midge survival/development. It appears that other nutritional components may also be essential to support the larval survival/development of C. stellifer. Overall, a simple diet of bacterial feeding nematodes and their associated microorganisms can be used to rear C. stellifer larvae under laboratory conditions. However, captive mating in F1 adults poses a major obstacle for successful colonization of this species currently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Erram
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, FL
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Erram D, Blosser EM, Burkett-Cadena N. Habitat associations of Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) abundant on a commercial cervid farm in Florida, USA. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:367. [PMID: 31349854 PMCID: PMC6660662 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3626-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biting midges in the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) transmit bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) to ruminants, thus exerting a significant economic impact on animal agriculture worldwide. However, very little is known about the larval habitat characteristics of Culicoides species associated with BTV/EHDV transmission, particularly in southeastern USA, limiting the establishment of effective midge control strategies. In this study, we examined the habitat associations of Culicoides species abundant on a commercial cervid farm in Florida, USA and quantified several environmental variables of their habitat to identify the key variables associated with midge abundance. METHODS Mud/substrate samples from three potential larval habitats on the farm (edges of streams, puddles and seepages) were brought to the laboratory and incubated for adult emergence, and the percentage organic matter, macronutrients, micronutrients, pH, electrical conductivity, moisture and microbial concentrations of the substrate were quantified. RESULTS Strong habitat associations were observed for Culicoides haematopotus (Malloch) (stream edge), Culicoides stellifer (Coquillett) (puddles) and Culicoides loisae (Jamnback) (stream edge), the most commonly emerging midge species from the samples. Suspected vector species of BTV/EHDV on the property, C. stellifer and Culicoides venustus (Hoffman), emerged mainly from habitats with moderate-high levels of pollution (edges of puddles and seepages) as indicated by the relatively higher concentrations/levels of organic matter, nutrients and other environmental variables in these samples. The emergence of C. insignis was too low to form any meaningful conclusions. For each Culicoides species, only weak positive or negative associations were detected between midge abundance and the various environmental variables quantified. CONCLUSIONS Habitat associations of Culicoides species abundant on a local cervid/animal farm vary, most likely as a function of certain biotic/abiotic characteristics of the habitat. Further studies across a larger spatial and temporal scale will be needed to experimentally evaluate/identify the key factors more strongly associated with the abundance of target Culicoides species. This information, in the long term, can be potentially exploited to render local habitats unsuitable for midge oviposition/larval development.
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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.
| | - Erik M Blosser
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, IFAS, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL, 32962, USA.,University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, 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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Sloyer KE, Burkett-Cadena ND, Yang A, Corn JL, Vigil SL, McGregor BL, Wisely SM, Blackburn JK. Ecological niche modeling the potential geographic distribution of four Culicoides species of veterinary significance in Florida, USA. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0206648. [PMID: 30768605 PMCID: PMC6377124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a viral arthropod-borne disease affecting wild and domestic ruminants, caused by infection with epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). EHDV is transmitted to vertebrate animal hosts by biting midges in the genus Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones is the only confirmed vector of EHDV in the United States but is considered rare in Florida and not sufficiently abundant to support EHDV transmission. This study used ecological niche modeling to map the potential geographical distributions and associated ecological variable space of four Culicoides species suspected of transmitting EHDV in Florida, including Culicoides insignis Lutz, Culicoides stellifer (Coquillett), Culicoides debilipalpis Hoffman and Culicoides venustus Lutz. Models were developed with the Genetic Algorithm for Rule Set Production in DesktopGARP v1.1.3 using species occurrence data from field sampling along with environmental variables from WorldClim and Trypanosomiasis and Land use in Africa. For three Culicoides species (C. insignis, C. stellifer and C. debilipalpis) 96-98% of the presence points were predicted across the Florida landscape (63.8% - 72.5%). For C. venustus, models predicted 98.00% of presence points across 27.4% of Florida. Geographic variations were detected between species. Culicoides insignis was predicted to be restricted to peninsular Florida, and in contrast, C. venustus was predicted to be primarily in north Florida and the panhandle region. Culicoides stellifer and C. debilipalpis were predicted nearly statewide. Environmental conditions also differed by species, with some species' ranges predicted by more narrow ranges of variables than others. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was a major predictor of C. venustus and C. insignis presence. For C. stellifer, Land Surface Temperature, Middle Infrared were the most limiting predictors of presence. The limiting variables for C. debilipalpis were NDVI Bi-Annual Amplitude and NDVI Annual Amplitude at 22.5% and 28.1%, respectively. The model outputs, including maps and environmental variable range predictions generated from these experiments provide an important first pass at predicting species of veterinary importance in Florida. Because EHDV cannot exist in the environment without the vector, model outputs can be used to estimate the potential risk of disease for animal hosts across Florida. Results also provide distribution and habitat information useful for integrated pest management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin E. Sloyer
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Anni Yang
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Geography Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Joseph L. Corn
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stacey L. Vigil
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Bethany L. McGregor
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Geography Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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Rozo-Lopez P, Drolet BS, Londoño-Renteria B. Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Transmission: A Comparison of Incriminated Vectors. INSECTS 2018; 9:insects9040190. [PMID: 30544935 PMCID: PMC6315612 DOI: 10.3390/insects9040190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a viral disease of veterinary importance, enzootic in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. In the U.S., VS produces devastating economic losses, particularly in the southwestern states where the outbreaks display an occurrence pattern of 10-year intervals. To date, the mechanisms of the geographic spread and maintenance cycles during epizootics remain unclear. This is due, in part, to the fact that VS epidemiology has a complex of variables to consider, including a broad range of vertebrate hosts, multiple routes of transmission, and an extensive diversity of suspected vector species acting as both mechanical and biological vectors. Infection and viral progression within vector species are highly influenced by virus serotype, as well as environmental factors, including temperature and seasonality; however, the mechanisms of viral transmission, including non-conventional pathways, are yet to be fully studied. Here, we review VS epidemiology and transmission mechanisms, with comparisons of transmission evidence for the four most incriminated hematophagous dipteran taxa: Aedes mosquitoes, Lutzomyia sand flies, Simulium black flies, and Culicoides biting midges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Rozo-Lopez
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| | - Barbara S Drolet
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA.
| | - Berlin Londoño-Renteria
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA.
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