Epidemiology and Infection

Table of Contents - 1991 - Volume 106, Issue 01  

Research Article

Epidemiology of bluetongue and related orbiviruses in the Sultanate of Oman

S. M. Al-Busaidya1 and P. S. Mellora2 c1

a1 Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, PO Box 467, Muscat, Sultanate of, Oman

a2 AFRC Institute for Animal Health, Pirbright Laboratory, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey, GU24 0NF, UK

Abstract

Sentinel herds at 34 farms were used to study the epidemiology of bluetongue and related orbiviruses in Oman. The results indicate that bluetongue virus (BTV) is widespread and is enzootic in Northern Oman. At least three BTV serotypes (3, 4 and 22) were present at the time of the study. Antibodies to epizootic haemorrhagic disease of deer virus (EHDV) type 2 and EHDV-318 were also detected but were less prevalent. Entomological investigations identified the presence of 16 species of Culicoides. The peak seasonal incidence of the BTV vector C. imicola and the EHDV vectors C. schultzei (group) midges at Rumais in Northern Oman correlated closely with the spring rains in that area. However, both species of midge were also present in lower numbers throughout the year. Four species of Omani midge, C. arabiensis, C. ibriensis, C. neoschultzei and C. buettikeri are new to science.

(Accepted August 21 1990)

Correspondence:

c1 Correspondence and reprint requests should be sent to Dr P. S. Mellor.

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