Role of Dipteran vectors on interepidemic maintenance and emergence of vesicular stomatitis virus

Authors: Drolet, Barbara; ROZO-LOPEZ, PAULA - University Of Tennessee; McGregor, Bethany; Davis, Travis; Reeves, Will; BENNETT, KRISTINE - Colorado State University; Pauszek, Steven; Bertram, Miranda; Rodriguez, Luis

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/11/2022
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Interpretive Summary not required in accordance with ARS-115 Publications P & P 152.1 v.5 (10/19/2019) chapter 5 page 31 Matrix for Data Entry Determinations. Kmm

Technical Abstract: Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a reportable, insect-transmitted, viral disease affecting horses, cattle, and pigs in the Americas. Outbreaks in the U.S. typically occur in western and southwestern states on a 5–10-year cycle. Outbreaks can be single or multiple year events with an overwintering genotype of the virus emerging 6-8 months after the last clinical disease is seen in animals. How and where vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is maintained between outbreaks and what vector species are involved in re-emergence are not clearly understood. Recent venereal transmission studies in Culicoides and the finding of VSV-positive nulliparous field-caught midges suggest virus may be maintained in insect populations in the absence of infected animals. Additionally, recent genetic analysis of field-caught insects near clinical animals at the start of the 2006 and 2020 outbreaks indicate that Culicoides midges and Simulium black flies may play an important role in the emergence of VSV. These results improve our understanding of the role midges and black flies play in VSV epidemiology in the U.S. and broadens the scope of vector species for targeted surveillance and control.