Colonization of bison (Bison bison) wallows in a tallgrass prairie by Culicoides spp (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Authors

Robert S. Pfannenstiel, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Manhattan, KS
Mark G. Ruder, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Manhattan, KSFollow

Date of this Version

2015

Citation

Journal of Vector Ecology Vol. 40, no. 1 187-190

Comments

U.S. Government Work

Abstract

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of numerous animal pathogens worldwide and in the U.S.A. are most well-known for their role as vectors of two closely related viruses: epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) virus (EHDV) and bluetongue (BT) virus (BTV) (Tabachnick 1996, Ruder et al. in press). EHD has long been considered one of the most significant diseases of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) but can cause disease in cattle and other wild ruminants. BTV is a significant pathogen of domestic sheep and cattle, as well as numerous wild ruminant species. In the U.S.A., these viruses cause cyclical epidemics that can occasionally be widespread and severe (Ruder et al. in press). American bison (Bison bison) are among the ruminant species susceptible to infection with EHDV and BTV. While clinical disease is thought to occasionally occur, infection in most individuals is likely subclinical and the broader epidemiological role of bison is largely unknown (Vestweber et al. 1991, Ruder et al. in press).