Next-generation tools to control biting midge populations and reduce pathogen transmission

Abstract Biting midges of the genus Culicoides transmit disease-causing agents resulting in a significant economic impact on livestock industries in many parts of the world. Localized control efforts, such as removal of larval habitat or pesticide application, can be logistically difficult, expensiv...

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Main Authors: Phillip Shults, Lee W. Cohnstaedt, Zach N. Adelman, Corey Brelsfoard
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2021-01-01
Series:Parasites & Vectors
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-020-04524-1
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author Phillip Shults
Lee W. Cohnstaedt
Zach N. Adelman
Corey Brelsfoard
author_facet Phillip Shults
Lee W. Cohnstaedt
Zach N. Adelman
Corey Brelsfoard
author_sort Phillip Shults
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Biting midges of the genus Culicoides transmit disease-causing agents resulting in a significant economic impact on livestock industries in many parts of the world. Localized control efforts, such as removal of larval habitat or pesticide application, can be logistically difficult, expensive and ineffective if not instituted and maintained properly. With these limitations, a population-level approach to the management of Culicoides midges should be investigated as a means to replace or supplement existing control strategies. Next-generation control methods such as Wolbachia- and genetic-based population suppression and replacement are being investigated in several vector species. Here we assess the feasibility and applicability of these approaches for use against biting midges. We also discuss the technical and logistical hurdles needing to be addressed for each method to be successful, as well as emphasize the importance of addressing community engagement and involving stakeholders in the investigation and development of these approaches.
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spelling doaj.art-c92dabc72a6541a9a99359f22bae53852022-12-21T23:23:50ZengBMCParasites & Vectors1756-33052021-01-0114111310.1186/s13071-020-04524-1Next-generation tools to control biting midge populations and reduce pathogen transmissionPhillip Shults0Lee W. Cohnstaedt1Zach N. Adelman2Corey Brelsfoard3Texas A&M UniversityUSDA-ARS Arthropod Borne Animal Disease Research UnitTexas A&M UniversityTexas Tech UniversityAbstract Biting midges of the genus Culicoides transmit disease-causing agents resulting in a significant economic impact on livestock industries in many parts of the world. Localized control efforts, such as removal of larval habitat or pesticide application, can be logistically difficult, expensive and ineffective if not instituted and maintained properly. With these limitations, a population-level approach to the management of Culicoides midges should be investigated as a means to replace or supplement existing control strategies. Next-generation control methods such as Wolbachia- and genetic-based population suppression and replacement are being investigated in several vector species. Here we assess the feasibility and applicability of these approaches for use against biting midges. We also discuss the technical and logistical hurdles needing to be addressed for each method to be successful, as well as emphasize the importance of addressing community engagement and involving stakeholders in the investigation and development of these approaches.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-020-04524-1Culicoides sonorensisWolbachiaIITSITPopulation suppressionPopulation replacement
spellingShingle Phillip Shults
Lee W. Cohnstaedt
Zach N. Adelman
Corey Brelsfoard
Next-generation tools to control biting midge populations and reduce pathogen transmission
Parasites & Vectors
Culicoides sonorensis
Wolbachia
IIT
SIT
Population suppression
Population replacement
title Next-generation tools to control biting midge populations and reduce pathogen transmission
title_full Next-generation tools to control biting midge populations and reduce pathogen transmission
title_fullStr Next-generation tools to control biting midge populations and reduce pathogen transmission
title_full_unstemmed Next-generation tools to control biting midge populations and reduce pathogen transmission
title_short Next-generation tools to control biting midge populations and reduce pathogen transmission
title_sort next generation tools to control biting midge populations and reduce pathogen transmission
topic Culicoides sonorensis
Wolbachia
IIT
SIT
Population suppression
Population replacement
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-020-04524-1
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AT zachnadelman nextgenerationtoolstocontrolbitingmidgepopulationsandreducepathogentransmission
AT coreybrelsfoard nextgenerationtoolstocontrolbitingmidgepopulationsandreducepathogentransmission