Grant: Engage Grants Program

In 2013, our lab discovered that the biting midge, Culicoides sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), was present in southern Ontario on a number of sheep farms. This species was previously unknown from Ontario although it was found in the USA. As a known vector of blue tongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic virus diseases (EHDV), it is necessary to track the northward expansion of this species to help protect the interests of livestock industries. In September of 2015 cattle that were seropositive to bluetongue virus were found in Chatham-Kent, ON. This resulted in international borders being closed to the export of live ruminantsand ruminant products (including bull semen and cattle embryos). We intend to conduct surveillance at the livestock facilities of Semex Alliance in Guelph, Kemptville, and Brockville in Ontario as well as in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, to determine if Culicoides sonorensis has become established in these more northern and eastern locations. Trap contents will be transported to Brock University to identify the ceratopogonids that are collected. Any Culicoides sonorensis will be tested for BTV and EHDV. The information that we find will assist Semex in developing a preparedness plan for the eventual incursion of BTV and EHDV. Furthermore, the molecular tools that are developed for the identification of Culicoides sonorensis and the testing for BTV and EHDV in these biting midges will be of benefit for all livestock producers in Canada.