Progress and knowledge gaps in Culicoides ecology and control

Veterinaria Italiana
Bradley A MullensE G McDermott

Abstract

The Bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus outbreaks in Europe between 1999 and 2013 stimulated progress in Culicoides field ecology and control. In responding to these outbreaks, however, the deficit of broadly trained entomologists became evident. Culicoides research has been uneven, and critical gaps remain in our knowledge of vector ecology. Certain aspects of adult midge biology have gotten more attention (biting rates and relationship to trap collections, seasonal activity and survey, taxonomy of critical species complexes). Some aspects of adult midge biology (survival, resting site selection, or direct dispersal measurements) have been understudied. More work is needed on Culicoides immatures (taxonomy and details of ecology). Control research has centred on insecticide treatments applied to animals. However, our true goal is not vector control, but reducing disease agent transmission. We require field vector control targets (e.g. how far we might need to reduce biting rates) needed to interrupt transmission. The most critical need is for studies incorporating vector control experimentally into epidemiological studies in active arbovirus transmission zones. Such field interdisciplinary studies are absolutely required to und...Continue Reading

Citations

Jan 9, 2021·Parasites & Vectors·Phillip ShultsCorey Brelsfoard

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.