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Home / Equine Research Bank / Med Vet Entomol / Culicoides species as potential vectors of African horse sic...
Medical and veterinary entomology2019; 33(4); 498-511; doi: 10.1111/mve.12391

Culicoides species as potential vectors of African horse sickness virus in the southern regions of South Africa.

Abstract: African horse sickness (AHS), a disease of equids caused by the AHS virus, is of major concern in South Africa. With mortality reaching up to 95% in susceptible horses and the apparent reoccurrence of cases in regions deemed non-endemic, most particularly the Eastern Cape, epidemiological research into factors contributing to the increase in the range of this economically important virus became imperative. The vectors, Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), are considered unable to proliferate during the unfavourable climatic conditions experienced in winter in the province, although the annual occurrence of AHS suggests that the virus has become established and that vector activity continues throughout the year. Surveillance of Culicoides within the province is sparse and little was known of the diversity of vector species or the abundance of known vectors, Culicoides imicola and Culicoides bolitinos. Surveillance was performed using light trapping methods at selected sites with varying equid species over two winter and two outbreak seasons, aiming to determine diversity, abundance and vector epidemiology of Culicoides within the province. The research provided an updated checklist of Culicoides species within the Eastern Cape, contributing to an increase in the knowledge of AHS vector epidemiology, as well as prevention and control in southern Africa.
© 2019 The Royal Entomological Society.
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Publication Date: 2019-06-07 PubMed ID: 31172556DOI: 10.1111/mve.12391Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article investigates Culicoides species as possible carriers of the African horse sickness virus in the southern regions of South Africa.

Context and Purpose

  • The study addresses African horse sickness (AHS), an economically significant virus in South Africa that causes a potentially fatal disease in equids (members of the horse family).
  • The recurring cases of AHS in regions like the Eastern Cape, which were previously considered non-endemic, prompted this epidemiological research. It aims to understand the factors contributing to the extended range of this virus.
  • Culicoides, a genus of biting midges, are the vectors that transfer this virus. Despite unpropitious climatic conditions in the province during the winter wherein these vectors are typically believed to be inactive, AHS continues to be an issue year-round. This suggests the virus has become established and that vector activity persists throughout the year.

Methodology

  • The researchers carried out surveillance of the Culicoides within the Eastern Cape province, noting that existing surveillance in the area was limited.
  • The objective was to understand the diversity and abundance of known vector species, namely, Culicoides imicola and Culicoides bolitinos.
  • Light trapping was the method used to monitor Culicoides at various sites, home to different equid species, during two winter seasons and two outbreak seasons. This aimed to discern the diversity and epidemiology of the vectors within the province.

Findings

  • The research expanded knowledge about the variety of Culicoides species present in the Eastern Cape, bringing forward an updated checklist.
  • This information added to understanding of the AHS vector’s epidemiology in the province, providing insights essential to the planning of future measures for the prevention and control of the disease in southern Africa.

Cite This Article

APA
Riddin MA, Venter GJ, Labuschagne K, Villet MH. (2019). Culicoides species as potential vectors of African horse sickness virus in the southern regions of South Africa. Med Vet Entomol, 33(4), 498-511. https://doi.org/10.1111/mve.12391

Publication

Medical and veterinary entomology
ISSN: 1365-2915
NlmUniqueID: 8708682
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 33
Issue: 4
Pages: 498-511

Researcher Affiliations

Riddin, M A
  • Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa.
Venter, G J
  • Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa.
Labuschagne, K
  • Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa.
Villet, M H
  • Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa.

MeSH Terms

  • African Horse Sickness Virus / physiology
  • Animals
  • Ceratopogonidae / classification
  • Ceratopogonidae / physiology
  • Equidae
  • Female
  • Food Chain
  • Insect Vectors / classification
  • Insect Vectors / physiology
  • Male
  • Seasons
  • South Africa
  • Species Specificity

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