167 - Fantastic Midges and Where to Find Them: an update of Culicoides species in Puerto Rico

Abstract: Female biting midges (Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides) are medically important vectors that transmit diseases of veterinary and human health relevance including Bluetongue, African horse sickness, and the ongoing Oropouche fever outbreak. In Puerto Rico few recent studies exist establishing the presence of Culicoides spp. in the territory. The most comprehensive survey is from the mid-1980’s, which identified 9 species in Puerto Rico. In 2024, concerns over the ongoing Oropouche fever outbreak in Cuba promoted concerns that the outbreak could spread to Puerto Rico. However, poor understanding of the species presence there created an inability to properly assess the risk of Culicoides transmitting Oropouche fever to humans in Puerto Rico. Despite the ongoing outbreak in Caribbean islands, the presence of the primary vector of Oropouche fever, Culicoides paraensis, is not well understood in this region. To better understand the presence and distribution of Culicoides spp. in Puerto Rico, we surveilled biting midges using CDC light traps incorporating a UV light and dry ice (CO₂). Various habitat types frequented by humans were sampled including coastal, livestock, urban and plantation areas. Preliminary results identified 7 or more of the 9 species previously identified. In this presentation, we report the results of our surveillance efforts and may or may not report species not previously reported in Puerto Rico. We will also present risk maps for habitat suitability and disease.