Some factors governing the entry of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) into stables.
Abstract: The entry of Culicoides species into stables was examined by comparing the numbers of midges caught with identical light-traps under different conditions. The comparison was made between collections made inside an empty stable, a regularly cleaned stable and a dirty stable and those made outside the stables in a sleeping space open on two sides. The work was first done in the presence of cattle and sheep in adjoining paddocks and then repeated in their absence. A positive correlation was found between the numbers of C. imicola females caught out of doors and inside a clean stable. Removal of the cattle and sheep resulted in a reduction in the numbers of C. imicola caught inside and outside the stables. In contrast, the numbers of Culicoides spp. that prefer to feed on birds was not affected by the removal of the cattle and sheep. Their entry into the stable was proportionate to the size of the entrances into the sleeping space and the size of the stable door and presumably occurs passively. On the other hand, the numbers of C. imicola females entering the same stables were somewhat enhanced by the presence of horses inside the stables and by odours associated with dirty stables.
Publication Date: 1998-02-19 PubMed ID: 9467179
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Animal Science
- Animal Species
- Animal Studies
- Behavior
- Culicoides
- Disease control
- Disease Prevention
- Disease Transmission
- Environmental Stressors
- Epidemiology
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Insect Bite Hypersensitivity
- Public Health
- Stable Management
- Vector-borne disease
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
- Veterinary Science
Summary
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The research paper examines the factors influencing the entry of Culicoides species (a kind of biting midge) into stables, and found that the presence of livestock and the cleanliness of the stable were significant influencers.
Method of Research
- The researchers used identical light-traps to capture Culicoides in various conditions for analysis.
- They compared the number of midges caught inside and outside of clean, dirty, and empty stables, as well as a sleeping space open on two sides.
- The study was conducted first in the presence of cattle and sheep in adjoining paddocks, and then repeated after the animals were removed.
Effects of Livestock and Cleanliness of Stable
- A positive correlation was observed between the number of female C. imicola (a species of Culicoides) caught outdoors and inside a clean stable.
- Removal of cattle and sheep caused a decrease in the number of C. imicola found both inside and outside of the stables.
- This suggests that the presence of these animals may be a factor attracting these midges.
Entry of Midges into Stables
- Contrarily, the number of Culicoides species that prefer to feed on birds didn’t change with the removal of cattle and sheep.
- The entry of these midges into the stable was largely dependent on the size of entrances into the sleeping space, and the size of the stable door, implying their entry occurs passively.
- However, the entrance of C. imicola females was found to increase in the presence of horses inside the stables and with the odours associated with dirty stables.
- It could be inferred that for this species, both the presence of specific animals and the odor from dirty stables play significant roles in influencing their entry.
Summary of Findings
- The study concludes that factors like the presence of livestock (specifically cattle, sheep, and horses) and the cleanliness of stables significantly influence the entry and number of Culicoides species.
- These findings can be instrumental in devising strategies to control the infestation of these midges in stables and other livestock areas.
Cite This Article
APA
Barnard BJ.
(1998).
Some factors governing the entry of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) into stables.
Onderstepoort J Vet Res, 64(3), 227-233.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, South Africa.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cattle
- Ceratopogonidae / physiology
- Climate
- Female
- Horses
- Housing, Animal / standards
- Insect Vectors
- Male
- Odorants
- Population Density
- Sheep
- South Africa
- Species Specificity
Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- . Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Animal Health and Welfare on request from the Commission on bluetongue.. EFSA J 2008 Jul;6(7):735.
- Grimaud Y, Guis H, Chiroleu F, Boucher F, Tran A, Rakotoarivony I, Duhayon M, Cêtre-Sossah C, Esnault O, Cardinale E, Garros C. Modelling temporal dynamics of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) populations on Reunion Island (Indian Ocean), vectors of viruses of veterinary importance.. Parasit Vectors 2019 Nov 27;12(1):562.
- Baker T, Carpenter S, Gubbins S, Newton R, Lo Iacono G, Wood J, Harrup LE. Can insecticide-treated netting provide protection for Equids from Culicoides biting midges in the United Kingdom?. Parasit Vectors 2015 Nov 25;8:604.
- Viennet E, Garros C, Rakotoarivony I, Allène X, Gardès L, Lhoir J, Fuentes I, Venail R, Crochet D, Lancelot R, Riou M, Moulia C, Baldet T, Balenghien T. Host-seeking activity of bluetongue virus vectors: endo/exophagy and circadian rhythm of Culicoides in Western Europe.. PLoS One 2012;7(10):e48120.
- Lassen SB, Nielsen SA, Kristensen M. Identity and diversity of blood meal hosts of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides Latreille) in Denmark.. Parasit Vectors 2012 Jul 23;5:143.
- Viennet E, Garros C, Lancelot R, Allène X, Gardès L, Rakotoarivony I, Crochet D, Delécolle JC, Moulia C, Baldet T, Balenghien T. Assessment of vector/host contact: comparison of animal-baited traps and UV-light/suction trap for collecting Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), vectors of Orbiviruses.. Parasit Vectors 2011 Jun 27;4:119.
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