U.S. Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Service, Lincoln, Nebraska
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
2015
Citation
Journal of Vector Ecology Vol. 40, no. 1 187-190
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).
Comments
U.S. Government Work