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Seasonal fluctuations of Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Kenya

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

Alan R. Walker
Alan R. Walker
Affiliation:
Veterinary Research Laboratory, P.O. Kabete, Kenya
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Abstract

Light-traps were used to collect adult Culicoides from 61 sites throughout Kenya and to sample long-term population fluctuations at six sites. Activity patterns were recorded with a suction trap and larval habitats were sampled with laboratory emergence traps. Culicoides cornutus De Medllon, C. milnei Aust., C. pallidipennis C, I. & M., C. schultzei (End.) gp. and C. zuluensis De Meillon were found widespread and also concentrated at livestock pens. Their seasonal population fluctuations did not correlate clearly with rainfall but all these species persist throughout the year. The activity of C. pallidipennis and C. schultzei gp. extends over the whole night and is inhibited by winds in excess of 3 m/s and stimulated by high temperatures and relative humidity. Larval habitats were mainly in mud mixed with detritus or dung; larvae of C. pallidipennis and C. schultzei gp. were both found in swamp mud but not in dung pats. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the epidemiology of bluetongue virus disease of sheep and ephemeral fever virus disease of cattle.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 67 , Issue 2 , June 1977 , pp. 217 - 233
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1977

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