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This parasite is found worldwide and attacks humans and a wide variety of animals.  The only genus of the family ''Ceratopogonidae'' of current veterinary significance is ''Culicoides''.

This parasite is found worldwide and attacks humans and a wide variety of animals.  The only genus of the family ''Ceratopogonidae'' of current veterinary significance is ''Culicoides''.

The midge is a vector for several viruses, including [[Bluetongue Virus|Bluetongue]] and [[African Horse Sickness|African horse sickness]].

The midge is a vector for several viruses, including [[Bluetongue Virus|Bluetongue]] and [[African Horse Sickness|African horse sickness]].

A bite causes [[Skin Immunologic - Pathology#Culicoides hypersensitivity|'Sweet itch']], a culicoides hypersensitivity reaction.  It causes allergic dermatitis of horses, primarily affecting the base of the tail and the withers, and induces an intermediate-type hypersensitivity reaction to the midge saliva.

It causes allergic dermatitis of horses, primarily affecting the base of the tail and the withers, and induces an intermediate-type hypersensitivity reaction to the midge saliva, known as [[Skin Immunologic - Pathology#Culicoides hypersensitivity|'Sweet itch']]

 

==Identification==

==Identification==

Culicoides are small flies 2-5mm long with a dark colouring, more commonly known as '''biting midges'''. They have a characteristic arched thorax giving a 'hump-backed' appearance. The wings are mottled.  

Culicoides are small flies 2-5mm long with a dark colouring, more commonly known as '''biting midges'''. They have a characteristic arched thorax giving a 'hump-backed' appearance. The wings are mottled.  

==Life cycle==

==Life cycle==