A study of the indigenous fauna of Culicoides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) of Barcelona Zoo.

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Main researcher: Victor Sarto i Monteys

Institution: Servei de Sanitat Vegetal (Generalitat de Catalunya)

Description:

The Culicoides midges are haematophagous ectoparasites of different vertebrate groups, in particular mammals and birds, although species that bite reptiles, amphibians and even other types of arthropods are recognised. Some of them are vectors of a range of diseases, including Blue Tongue and African Horse Sickness.

The aim of this project is to achieve the following objectives:

a) Confirm the presence of Culicoides within Barcelona Zoological Park premises.

b) Identify the species found, establish their relative abundance and study their phenology for one complete year.

c) Ascertain whether there are differences between the species of Culicoides captured in the different parts of the Zoo in relation to the animals housed in these areas.

Ultraviolet light traps will be used to capture the midges and will be positioned next to the rest areas and houses of ruminants that are liable to have Culicoides as ectoparasites (mouflon sheep, camels, impalas, bison, sheep).

The results of this research will represent a significant development in our knowledge regarding the special host-parasite relationship at the Zoo, making it easier for steps to be taken to improve animal wellbeing, so reducing the risk of contracting viral diseases transmitted by these vector midges.

Sponsors of Research and preservation of the Zoo: