Impacts of Culicoides spp. as vectors of bluetongue virus and epizootic hemorrhagic disease in white-tailed deer production facilities

The biting midge, Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), is an important ectoparasite disturbing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in Texas. Biting midges are the vectors of disease agents causing epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue (BTV).  These diseases are easily recognized and feared by white-tailed deer producers, yet there is limited literature on biting midge management. The hunting of white-tailed deer in Texas is a continuously growing industry with an estimated annual economic value of over $3 billion. The effective management of production animals is imperative to being competitive in this rising agriculture field. The aim of this study consists of estimating the number of Culicoides spp. on 24 deer farms over a two year period and sampling Culicoides spp. to determine virus serotype carried. Parameters include the farm location and weather. Preliminary data has shown that Culicoides spp. are active in the months of March to May and show the highest occurrence in August through October. Farm locations with the largest number of Culicoides spp. present are typically located near water sources. The relationship between biting midges sampled and the number of diseased deer in the area will be an important statistic, leading to the development of insect management practices on deer production facilities. Health is a critical factor in successfully raising white-tailed deer, and it is becoming more evident to deer producers that insect control is the key.