Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Detected in Biting Midges and Black Flies during the 2023 Outbreak in Southern California.

ABSTRACT: Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a viral disease that affects horses, cattle, and swine that is transmitted by direct contact and hematophagous insects. In 2023, a multi-state outbreak of vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) occurred in California, Nevada, and Texas, infecting horses, cattle, and rhinoceros. To identify possible insect vectors, we conducted insect surveillance at various locations in San Diego County, CA, including at a wildlife park. CO₂ baited traps set from mid-May to mid-August 2023 collected 2357 Culicoides biting midges and 1215 Simulium black flies, which are insect genera implicated in VSNJV transmission. Insects were pooled by species, location, and date, then tested for viral RNA. Nine RNA-positive pools of Culicoides spp. and

SUBMITTER: Scroggs SLP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11437509 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature