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Climate change: effects on culicoides--transmitted viruses and implications for the UK
1Institute for Animal Health, Pirbright Laboratory, Pirbright, UK.
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|September 14, 2000
Summary
Climate change may introduce bluetongue and African horse sickness viruses to the UK via expanding Culicoides midge ranges. These arboviruses could then spread through native UK midge populations, impacting livestock.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Climate Change Impact
- Arbovirology
Background:
- Insect distribution and abundance are sensitive to climate change.
- Culicoides biting midges transmit arboviruses like bluetongue (BT) and African horse sickness (AHS).
- Climate change poses risks to the UK livestock industry through altered vector-borne disease dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the risks climate change poses to the UK livestock industry.
- To assess the potential impact of Culicoides biting midges and arboviruses.
- To evaluate the northward spread of vectors and associated diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on insect vector ecology.
- Analysis of climate change projections and their impact on insect distribution.
- Assessment of arbovirus transmission dynamics and vector competence.
Main Results:
- The primary vector, Culicoides imicola, is unlikely to establish in the UK.
- Climate change may facilitate the "baton effect," introducing viruses to UK-range competent vectors.
- Increased temperatures may enhance vector competence and viral survival, increasing disease risk.
Conclusions:
- Climate change presents a significant risk to UK livestock via Culicoides-borne arboviruses.
- The "baton effect" mechanism highlights indirect transmission pathways.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate these evolving threats.