A survey of the Culicoides species (Diptera:Ceratopogonidae) associated with Oklahoma captive white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann, farms using both on-host sampling and carbon dioxide traps

Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones is a small biting midge (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) that is the principal vector of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) in the United States. While their small size might make them seen insignificant, the viruses they transmit can cause dramatic reductions in deer herds. The rearing of captive white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann, a burgeoning livestock industry in the United States, can be hit especially hard by EHDV, resulting in morbidity and mortality losses in susceptible deer. To better understand the composition of biting midges associated with these deer farms, we surveyed the overall diversity and abundance of Culicoides spp. present on Oklahoma deer operations. Our hypothesis was that C. sonorensis would predominate, especially during warm, dry periods common during the summer months in Oklahoma. By looking at all Culicoides caught at these sites, along with their temporal distribution pattern, we can better advise producers about an optimal time to apply control efforts. Midges were collected by on-host sampling using a restrained deer with a drop net and also CDC-style suction traps that were baited with a carbon dioxide source, dry ice. Collection efforts occurred in summer and fall of 2013 from June-October at a deer research facility located in Stillwater, OK. Our predicted results are that there will be an increase in all Culicoides spp. in July and August with C. sonorensis being the most abundant.