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Research
Abhijit Mazumdar
The University of Burdwan
Corresponding Author
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2606-9888
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Background The spread of bluetongue virus depends on the vectorial ability of Culicoides affecting the susceptible host. Animal farms in West Bengal have reported prevalence of potent vectors of BTV (C. oxystoma, C. peregrinus and C. fulvus). Besides, high seroprevalence of BTV was also reported from this cattle dense region. Henceforth host-seeking activity of two important potent vectors, C. oxystoma and C. peregrinus on cattle were studied in two farm sites of West Bengal, India.
Methods The study was done in 2018-19 comprising of total 297 hours of collection over 27 nights. A comparison was made between the catches obtained by mouth aspirator and light trap. Hourly collections of Culicoides were done directly from cattle (oral aspirator) as well as light trap was operated in close vicinity of cattle at a different shed.
Results A total of 11,462 Culicoides belonging to C. oxystoma, C. peregrinus and C. fulvus were collected in light trap and aspirator. In aspirator 4764 midges were collected whereas 6698 individuals were collected in light trap. The following species were aspirated: C. peregrinus and C. oxystoma; however the light trap catches consisted of C. fulvus, C. oxystoma and C. peregrinus. Light trap collection exhibited crepuscular activity whereas aspirator collection was maximum between 4.00 am and 5.00 am. Likewise maximum landing of midges was observed in neck and hump region of cattle.
Conclusion It was observed that the preferred time of feeding of C. peregrinus and C. oxystoma on cattle were early morning hours though midges were ubiquitous from dusk to dawn. Surprisingly the preferential landing of the two vectors were mostly restricted to the neck and hump region of the cattle. The results obtained during the study warrants further insight into the factors influencing the landing site by the vectors which may be useful biological data in disease management and draw effective deterrent strategies.
Keywords
Culicoides, preferential landing, diel activity, biting activity, cattle
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This preprint is under consideration at Parasites & Vectors. A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Learn more about In Review
Research
Abhijit Mazumdar
The University of Burdwan
Corresponding Author
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2606-9888
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 11 Nov, 2021
No community comments so far
Editor assigned
On 02 Nov, 2021
Submission checks complete
On 02 Nov, 2021
Editor invited
On 02 Nov, 2021
First submitted
On 01 Nov, 2021
Metrics
Comments: 0
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
Subject Areas
Parasitology
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background The spread of bluetongue virus depends on the vectorial ability of Culicoides affecting the susceptible host. Animal farms in West Bengal have reported prevalence of potent vectors of BTV (C. oxystoma, C. peregrinus and C. fulvus). Besides, high seroprevalence of BTV was also reported from this cattle dense region. Henceforth host-seeking activity of two important potent vectors, C. oxystoma and C. peregrinus on cattle were studied in two farm sites of West Bengal, India.
Methods The study was done in 2018-19 comprising of total 297 hours of collection over 27 nights. A comparison was made between the catches obtained by mouth aspirator and light trap. Hourly collections of Culicoides were done directly from cattle (oral aspirator) as well as light trap was operated in close vicinity of cattle at a different shed.
Results A total of 11,462 Culicoides belonging to C. oxystoma, C. peregrinus and C. fulvus were collected in light trap and aspirator. In aspirator 4764 midges were collected whereas 6698 individuals were collected in light trap. The following species were aspirated: C. peregrinus and C. oxystoma; however the light trap catches consisted of C. fulvus, C. oxystoma and C. peregrinus. Light trap collection exhibited crepuscular activity whereas aspirator collection was maximum between 4.00 am and 5.00 am. Likewise maximum landing of midges was observed in neck and hump region of cattle.
Conclusion It was observed that the preferred time of feeding of C. peregrinus and C. oxystoma on cattle were early morning hours though midges were ubiquitous from dusk to dawn. Surprisingly the preferential landing of the two vectors were mostly restricted to the neck and hump region of the cattle. The results obtained during the study warrants further insight into the factors influencing the landing site by the vectors which may be useful biological data in disease management and draw effective deterrent strategies.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
This is a list of supplementary files associated with this preprint. Click to download.
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