Difference between revisions of "Ceratopogonidae"
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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''. | ||
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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]]. | ||
| − | + | 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']] | |
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==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. | ||
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==Life cycle== | ==Life cycle== | ||
Revision as of 10:43, 31 July 2010
Introduction
| Also known as: | Midges |
| The most important veterinary species | 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 and African horse sickness.
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 'Sweet itch'
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.
Life cycle
Eggs are laid onto plants near water and the larvae fall into water and pupate. The life cycle takes 6-12 months to complete in temperate climates, but can take only 1 month in tropical climates. Females of most species are adapted to sucking blood from the host.