Modeling Abundance of <i>Culicoides stellifer</i>, a Candidate <i>Orbivirus</i> Vector, Indicates Nonrandom Hemorrhagic Disease Risk for White-Tailed Deer (<i>Odocoileus virginianus</i>)

• Main Authors: Emily T. N. Dinh, Juan Pablo Gomez, Jeremy P. Orange, Max A. Morris, Katherine A. Sayler, Bethany L. McGregor, Erik M. Blosser, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, Samantha M. Wisely, Jason K. Blackburn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
• Series: Viruses
• Subjects: epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus; occupancy model; <i>Culicoides</i> <i>stellifer</i>; disease transmission; vector-borne disease; spatial model
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/13/7/1328

(1) Background: Hemorrhagic diseases in white-tailed deer (<i>Odocoileus</i> <i>virginianus</i>) are caused by orbiviruses and have significant economic impact on the deer ranching industry in the United States. <i>Culicoides</i> <i>stellifer</i> is a suspected vector of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), with recent field evidence from Florida, but its natural history is poorly understood. Studying the distribution and abundance of <i>C. stellifer</i> across the landscape can inform our knowledge of how virus transmission can occur locally. We may then target vector management strategies in areas where viral transmission can occur. (2) Methods: Here, we used an occupancy modeling approach to estimate abundance of adult <i>C. stellifer</i> females at various physiological states to determine habitat preferences. We then mapped midge abundance during the orbiviral disease transmission period (May–October) in Florida. (3) Results: We found that overall, midge abundance was positively associated with sites in closer proximity to large-animal feeders. Additionally, midges generally preferred mixed bottomland hardwood and agricultural/sand/water habitats. Female <i>C. stellifer</i> with different physiological states preferred different habitats. (4) Conclusions: The differences in habitat preferences between midges across states indicate that disease risk for deer is heterogeneous across this landscape. This can inform how effective vector management strategies should be implemented.