Midge map could help fight bluetongue

Louise Gray, The Telegraph 4 Sep 08;

Ecologists have drawn up a "midge map" that will help prevent the spread of the fatal animal disease bluetongue in the UK.

Because midges are so small it is difficult to classify the different species.

However, using a method of genetic screening Jane DeGabriel of the University of Aberdeen was able to identify the different types of midges in Scotland and where they live.

The resulting information was put into a "midge map" that will help scientists during any future outbreaks of the insect-borne bluetongue.

The disease, that can be fatal to cattle and sheep, was first detected in England in 2007 but with a warming climate there are fears of another outbreak. This year it has affected livestock on the continent and has been found in England this month in animals imported from the continent.

In a presentation to the British Ecological Society's annual meeting at Imperial College, London, Dr DeGabriel described the methodology used to develop the midge map of Scotland.

During 2007 and 2008, researchers collected one million midges from light traps set up on 37 farms throughout Scotland, from the English border in the south to as far north as Thurso.

The results showed how midge numbers and species varied both geographically and seasonally.

Dr DeGabriel said the study would not only help address any outbreak in Scotland but also help understand how the insects spread in different climates and therefore how they might be controlled.

"Given the introduction of bluetongue into England and the persistence of favourable climatic conditions such as the recent milder winters, this research is extremely urgent and important.

"Our results will help scientists and policy makers develop risk mitigation and management strategies for bluetongue and other animal diseases," she said.