First report of Culicoides caucoliberensis in Spain: Exploring molecular phylogeny, host-feeding behaviour and avian haemosporidian parasites.
Med Vet Entomol
; 37(4): 871-877, 2023 12.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37458405
ABSTRACT
Culicoides biting midges (Diptera Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of pathogens that affect wildlife and livestock. Understanding the composition and distribution of vector species is crucial for implementing control strategies and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This study provides a morphological and molecular characterisation of Culicoides caucoliberensis, which represents the first record for Spain, increasing the number of Culicoides species in the country to 85. A total of 213 specimens were collected using Onderstepoort-ultraviolet down-draught light traps on a rocky coastline in the Balearic Islands during two sampling periods in 2022. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. caucoliberensis forms a monophyletic cluster within the Maritimus group. Host preferences were determined for the first time and showed propensity to feed on the European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis). The vector role of C. caucoliberensis for haemosporidian transmission remains unclear since molecular detection of Haemosporidians (Haemoproteus and Plasmodium) was negative for all the pools of parous and engorged females analysed. This study emphasises the importance of conducting entomofauna studies in lesser-known Mediterranean islet landscapes and highlights the need for research on vectors within the One Health framework.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Parasites
/
Ceratopogonidae
/
Haemosporida
Limits:
Animals
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
Med Vet Entomol
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA
/
MEDICINA VETERINARIA
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Spain