First data on Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from the Eastern Highlands of Algeria (Oum El Bouaghi): composition of the population and diversity
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Midges of the genus Culicoides Latreille 1809 are hematophagous dipterans known for their medical and veterinary importance. Some species are the principal vectors of various arboviruses such as heamorrhagic epizootic disease virus (EHDV), Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and Bluetongue virus (BTV). Thus, this study aims to highlight the composition of Culicoides fauna, and to describe the diversity of Culicoides species in the wilaya of Oum El Bouaghi (North-eastern Algeria). The entomological monitoring was carried out during four months from April to July 2013, using the UV light suctions traps (OVI type) placed on five mixed livestock farms in this region. Tapped specimens of Culicoides were identified morphologically to species level. In total, 943 specimens were caught belonging to 21 species of which 6 were undetermined. The most abundant species was C. newsteadi (53.97 %) across all collection stations which the abundance peaks was observed during the rainiest month (April) at Ain Babouche farm. The greatest population of Culicoides was collected at Bir Chehem farm (372 specimens) while the highest midge diversity was found at El Hassi farm (2.59). Meanwhile, the species richness was more important at the farms of Bir Chehem (17 species) and El Hassi (12 species), Berriche and Sigus farms hosted the most equitable communities (0.85). This study confirmed the presence of different Culicoides species particularly those implicated in the transmission of arboviruses, in Oum El Bouaghi and provided new insights into their diversity, which are necessary to implement appropriate control strategies of potential vector-borne diseases.
Language: English
Topic: Vector-Borne Animal Diseases
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4402252411