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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2007; 178(1); 91-97; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.07.005

Culicoides species attracted to horses with and without insect hypersensitivity.

Abstract: The aims of this study were to determine (1) which species of Culicoides is most commonly attracted to horses, (2) whether horses suffering insect hypersensitivity attract more Culicoides spp. than unaffected horses, and (3) the times when Culicoides spp. are most active. Horses affected by insect hypersensitivity and unaffected horses were placed inside mosquito netting tents for 30 min at different times of the day. All Culicoides spp. trapped inside the tents were collected and identified. C. obsoletus was the most common species found, followed by C. pulicaris. Healthy horses attracted slightly more midges than horses that were affected with insect hypersensitivity. All of the Culicoides species were most active at sunset, less so at sunrise and very few or no midges were trapped in the afternoon or at night.
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Publication Date: 2007-08-28 PubMed ID: 17728164DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.07.005Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

The research aimed to explore which species of the Culicoides insect is most attracted to horses, whether a higher number of Culicoides species are attracted to horses suffering from insect hypersensitivity, and the times of the day when the Culicoides species are most active. Interestingly, the most common species attracted to horses was C. obsoletus followed by C. pulicaris, and unaffected horses attracted more midges than horses with insect hypersensitivity. The Culicoides species were found to be most active at sunset.

Objective of the Research

  • The research primarily aimed to find out which species of the Culicoides insect was most frequently attracted to horses.
  • The study also explored whether horses afflicted with insect hypersensitivity attracted a greater number of these insects compared to healthy horses.
  • Finally, the researchers sought to understand the activity patterns of the Culicoides species, specifically the times during the day when these insects were most active.

Methodology of the Research

  • In conducting this research, both horses suffering from insect hypersensitivity and unaffected horses were placed inside mosquito netting tents. This was performed for 30-minute intervals at various times throughout the day.
  • All Culicoides species that were trapped inside the tents during this period were then collected and classified.

Findings of the Research

  • The research findings indicated that the most frequently found Culicoides species attracted to horses was C. obsoletus. This species was closely followed by C. pulicaris.
  • In a surprising turn, the study discovered that healthy horses offered slightly more attraction to the midges than horses suffering from insect hypersensitivity.
  • In terms of the behavior of the Culicoides species, the study noted these insects were most active during sunset. During sunrise, their activity dropped off slightly and they were rarely, if ever, found during afternoon or nighttime.

Cite This Article

APA
van der Rijt R, van den Boom R, Jongema Y, van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM. (2007). Culicoides species attracted to horses with and without insect hypersensitivity. Vet J, 178(1), 91-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.07.005

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1090-0233
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 178
Issue: 1
Pages: 91-97

Researcher Affiliations

van der Rijt, Renske
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
van den Boom, Robin
    Jongema, Yde
      van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan, Marianne M Sloet

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Bites and Stings / immunology
        • Ceratopogonidae / physiology
        • Circadian Rhythm
        • Feeding Behavior / physiology
        • Female
        • Horse Diseases / immunology
        • Horses
        • Hypersensitivity / immunology
        • Hypersensitivity / veterinary
        • Male

        Citations

        This article has been cited 17 times.
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