Is it known which Culicoides midges are able to carry and transmit AHS?
In Africa, there are two species of Culicoides midge that have been shown to play an important role in the spread of AHSV; C. imicola and C. bolitinos. It is clear from the Bluetongue outbreak that midges exist in northern Europe, including the UK, that are able to transmit Orbiviruses. The specific identity of all of these has not been confirmed. Increased temperatures enable biting midges to improve the efficiency with which they are able to transmit the virus. Virus replication inside the midges is dependent upon the temperature. In temperatures of 25ºC and above, the virus in the midge can be transmitted within as little as three days, whereas in cooler temperatures (around 15ºC), it can take up to 28 days.
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