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, 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.

Selection of sheep skin bacteria to reduce blood-feeding by biting midges under laboratory conditions

“…With the rising prevalence of diseases transmitted by Culicoides (Stokstad, 2023), there is an urgent requirement to devise novel control strategies. Global environmental changes with the inherent potential expansion of the geographical distribution of Culicoides and the prolongation of pathogen transmission periods (Hudson et al, 2023; Sanders et al, 2019) aggravate the current situation of lacking any effective control methods against these insects (Harrup et al, 2016; Shults et al, 2021). Exploitation of skin probiotics against hematophagous insects is still at a very early stage.…”

“…At present, there are no effective control methods against Culicoides (Harrup et al, 2016; Shults et al, 2021). Establishing physical barriers using nets or fly sheets is impractical for farm animals and proves ineffective due to the small size of biting midges.…”

Role of evolutionary epidemiology in the determination of the risk factors associated with some equine viral diseases

“…Molecular epidemiological studies were carried out to monitor the spreading, prevalence, and genetic lineages of the different pathogens between the countries (17). Also, phylogeny could be used for typing and characterisation of the insect vector, it helped in providing information about genes associated with pathogen transmission or midge reproduction (18). Accordingly, the role of phylogenetic analysis was evolved to help in detecting the origin of virus's evolutions and their relation to geographical distribution, recent phylogenetic analyses of many viruses demonstrated their overlap in their geographic regions (19).…”

Perspectives on the Changing Landscape of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Control

“…To reduce pesticide exposure and non-target impact, new insect-specific management methods are being developed as next-generation pesticides; this technology is based on successes in mosquito management [100]. Sterile insect technique using Wolbachia infections may be possible after finding natural populations of midges infected with Wolbachia [101], and also with the first successful infection of cell lines derived from the vector C. sonorensis with exotic Wolbachia [102].…”

“…Continued characterization of outbreaks, the environmental drivers, and insect vector compositions involved in new EHDV outbreaks are critical to understand the changing epidemiology [52,95,108]. Additional research hurdles still exist; field trials must be performed and deployment issues such as regulatory and end user acceptance must be overcome (reviewed in [100], but the arrival of new control tools to reduce biting midge populations which are more environmentally sustainable is expected in the near future.…”