Tabanidae Research Articles

Tropism, pathology, and transmission of equine parvovirus-hepatitis

ABSTRACT Equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H) has recently been associated with cases of Theiler's disease, a form of fulminant hepatic necrosis in horses. To assess whether EqPV-H is the cause of Theiler's disease, we first demonstrated hepatotropism by PCR on tissues from acutely infected horses. We then experimentally inoculated horses with EqPV-H and 8 of 10 horses developed hepatitis. One horse showed clinical signs of liver failure. The onset of hepatitis was temporally associated with seroconversion and a decline in viremia. Liver histology and in situ hybridization showed lymphocytic infiltrates and necrotic EqPV-H-infected hepatocytes. We next investigated potential modes of transmission. Iatrogenic transmission via allogeneic stem cell therapy for orthopedic injuries was previously suggested in a case series of Theiler's disease, and was demonstrated here for the first time. Vertical transmission and mechanical vectoring by horse fly bites could not be demonstrated in this study, potentially due to limited sample size. We found EqPV-H shedding in oral and nasal secretions, and in feces. Importantly, we could demonstrate EqPV-H transmission via oral inoculation with viremic serum. Together, our findings provide additional information that EqPV-H is the likely cause of Theiler's disease and that transmission of EqPV-H occurs via both iatrogenic and natural routes.

Horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) collected in Central African Republic, Gabon and Liberia with comments on their updated distribution

Abstract A zoogeographical review summarized the current distribution of 28 morphologically determined horse fly species recently collected in three Western Africa countries. In Malaise trap collections, the family Tabanidae was represented by three subfamilies, Pangoniinae, Chrysopsinae and Tabaninae (tribes Philolichini, Chrysopsini, Tabanini and Haematopotini), and six genera: Philoliche Wiedemann, 1828 (1 species), Chrysops Meigen, 1803 (3 specis), Ancala Enderlein, 1922 (2 species), Euancala Enderlein, 1922 (1 species), Tabanus Linnaeus, 1758 (13 species) and Haematopota Meigen, 1803 (8 species). Information contained in the principal publication The Catalogue of the Diptera of the Afrotropical Region 1980 is complemented by newly published studies on horse flies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Equine Infectious Anaemia - a review from an official veterinary perspective

Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) is a sporadic viral disease in many countries. Every single case has, however, a dramatic impact: infected animals have to be put down, and quarantine restrictions on horse movements lasting three months lead to substantial economic losses. In Switzerland, the mandatory notification was introduced in 1994 in order to facilitate international traffic. A year later, the "new" Ordinance on epizootics of 1995 classified EIA as a "disease to be eradicated". An infected polo horse in the canton of Argovia in summer 2017 thus represented Switzerland's first official case. It served as a starting point to review the legal frameworks of the EU and Switzerland. Recent publications suggest that there might be some potential to optimize the current diagnostic protocols. EIA is transmitted by virus-containing blood and blood products. Introductions in previously disease-free regions are mostly due to human activities, while blood feeding insects as horse flies or other biting flies act as mechanical vectors only locally within some 100 meters. As before, the new EU Regulations governing animal health do not prescribe national monitoring and control plans, allowing member states to shape them according to their particular situation. However, they have to ensure that equids intended for intracommunity movements comply with specific guarantees. In this context, a fine-tuning of current international standards seems conceivable. Mandatory testing preceding each movement would not be a proportionate option even for the future. Regardless their final wording, it would be a great step for all the actors involved in animal traffic if it were possible to adopt rules that are accepted and uniformly implemented by all competent authorities at national, regional and local level. However, the official system will never be able to guarantee absolute safety. Since there are neither effective vaccines nor treatment protocols, it is crucial that all owners, stablehands, veterinarians, associations, and organizers of horse contests are aware of the disease risks, minimizing them as far as possible by adequate biosecurity measures.

African animal trypanosomosis in cattle in Bnin: A review

African animal trypanosomosis is a disease transmitted by tsetse flies and tabanid to domestic mammals which seriously affects their health status and considerably reduces their productivity. This study proposes to make a synthesis on the bovine trypanosomosis and the various works undertaken in Benin country from 1960 to 2018. After general information on bovine trypanosomosis, the various vectorial agents responsible for the disease are explained. The inventory of fixtures of the pathology since 1960 to 2018 followed by the measures and means of control will be detailed. Then, a point on the state of the trypanosome’s chemotherapy -resistance facing circulating drug and of the approaches of solutions and the convincing alternatives will be developed. Finally, a study of the impact of transhumance transmission in the maintenance of bovine trypanosomosis supported by the management of conflicts is exposed. The chemotherapy-resistance of the trypanosomes being a true problem affecting the control of the disease, then it is urgent to find endogenous solutions that are reliable through the valorization of medicinal herbs for an effective control of bovine trypanosomosis in Benin. The present work opens a perspective on the definition of innovative alternatives to fight against the bovine trypanosomosis as well as tackle the chemotherapy-resistance against circulating Trypanosoma spp. Key words: Alternatives, chemotherapy, drug, resistance, Trypanosoma spp, Benin.

Identification of a species of deer fly attacking human and live stocks in Assam, India

During April 2018, a sudden appearance of some unknown flies was observed in some villages under Sibsagar district of Assam, Northeast India. The flies attacked in groups and had more attraction towards human than livestock. The present article describes the entomological and molecular identification of the fly at species level in Sibsagar district of Assam, northeast India. Preliminary examination revealed the fly to be an insect of order Diptera, Family Tabanidae and Genus Chrysops as they posses short proboscis, ocelli, third antennal joint with five divisions and wings demarcated with dark median cross-band. This was supported by molecular data where the partial nucleotide sequences of Mitochondrial COI gene revealed maximum identity (90.6%-92.3%) with genus Chrysops. The mitochondrial COI sequence data of Chrysops flavocinctus has been made available in NCBI Gen Bank. Gen Bank Accession No. MH998226.

Description of Leptus (Leptus) haitlingeri n. sp. (Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae), parasitising horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae), and a key to the larvae of Leptus spp. in Brazil.

The genus Leptus Latreille, 1796 (Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae) is represented by more than 250 species worldwide, and the larval stages of these mites are ectoparasites of many arthropod orders. In Brazil, there are 12 species of Leptus, some of which have been reported parasitising representatives of the orders Opiliones, Araneae, Coleoptera, Heteroptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera. This paper describes Leptus (Leptus) haitlingeri n. sp. collected from horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from L. (L.) adaminae Haitlinger, 2004 and L. (L.) fozicus Haitlinger, 2004 by the presence of 4 branched setae on palptarsus (vs 2 branched setae). A key to the larvae of Leptus spp. in Brazil is provided.

Horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) of three West African countries: A faunistic update, barcoding analysis and trypanosome occurrence

Horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) are of medical and veterinary importance since they transmit a range of pathogens. The horse fly fauna of tropical Africa is still poorly known, and in some geographical areas has not been studied for decades. This study summarizes the results of tabanid collections performed in three West African countries where only sparse data were previously available, the Central African Republic (CAR), Gabon and Liberia. Of 1093 collected specimens, 28 morphospecies and 26 genospecies belonging to six genera were identified, including the first findings of eleven morphospecies in the countries where horse flies were collected: Philoliche (Subpangonia) gravoti Surcouf, 1908 and Tabanus ianthinus Surcouf, 1907 are new records for Liberia; Ancala fasciata f. mixta (Surcouf, 1914), Tabanus fraternus Macquart, 1846, and T. triquetrornatus Carter, 1915 for CAR; Chrysops longicornis Macquart, 1838, Haematopota albihirta Karsch, 1887, H. bowdeni Oldroyd, 1952, and H. brucei Austen, 1908 for Gabon; and Tabanus secedens f. regnaulti Surcouf, 1912 and T. thoracinus Palisot de Beauvois, 1807 for Gabon and Liberia. Species identification of all 28 morphospecies based on morphological features was further supplemented by barcoding of cytochrome oxidase I (COI). Based on the COI sequences of 115 specimens representing 74 haplotypes, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to illustrate the relationships among the tabanid species found and to demonstrate their intra- and interspecific divergences. Our study enriches the current number of barcoded tabanids with another 22 genospecies. Based on the analysis of molecular data we question the taxonomic relevance of the morphological forms Ancala fasciata f. mixta and Tabanus secedens f. regnaulti. A parasitological survey based on nested PCR of 18S rRNA revealed a high (˜25%) prevalence of Trypanosoma theileri in the studied horse flies, accompanied by two species of monoxenous trypanosomatids, Crithidia mellificae and Blastocrithidia sp.

Evaluation of Trypanosama evansi prevalence and risk factors in the one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) of the north-east of Iran by a real-time PCR test

The Surra caused by Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) is an economically damaging disease of livestock including camels, horses, and buffaloes. The disease is transmitted by arthropod flies belonging to family tabanidae. The clinical signs of affected animals include recurrent fever, progressive anemia, cachexia, edema, and abortion. In order to determine the point prevalence of Surra in the camel population of north-east of Iran, 152 blood samples from one-humped camels were collected by multiple cluster sampling methods from three provinces, namely, Razavi Khorasan (R.Kh.), Northern Khorasan (N.Kh.), and Southern Khorasan (S.Kh.). The nucleic acid extracted from the buffy coat of each blood sample was analyzed by SYBR green real-time PCR test for the detection of T. evansi in the blood samples.T. evansi was detected in 10 out of 152 camel blood samples (6.5%) with a prevalence rate of 8.6, 9.3, and 1.4 percent in R.Kh., N.Kh., and S.Kh. provinces, respectively. The prevalence of the disease decreased from north to south in the Khorasan provinces. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that among risk factors influencing Surra in the camel population, location was the most remarkable risk factor. Different geographical conditions, climate change, and the amount of raining can be considered as the factors affecting Surra vector population from north to south, resulting in a decrease in the rate of the prevalence of Surra from north to south.

Detection of Chrysops divaricatus (Diptera: Tabanidae) in flat pastures of the Central Yakutia Russian Federation

Article history: Received: 8 July Received in revised form: 25 July Accepted: 28 July Available online: August (13,95%) and H. ciureai (13,84%) are mass, and numerous - H. nitidifrons (7,3%), H. distinguenda (3,88%), H. lurida (2,57%) and Chrysops nigripes (2.36%) making in the sum of 94,42%. However in Yakutia more than 30 years the studying of the fauna of horseflies was not almost engaged. The purpose of our researches is studying of specific structure of horseflies of the Central Yakutia of the Russian Federation. Materials and methods Research area: Yakutia is located in the north-east of Asia between 76 0 3'-55 0 29' north latitude and 105 0 3'- 162 0 51' east longitude (fig. 1). The area of Yakutia (3103, 2 thousand sq.km) occupies 18% or almost one-fifth of the Russian Federation territory. The area of research is in the territory of the Central Yakutia as a part of Russia. The western point is on border with Krasnoyarsk Krai (109°, 30' EL), east - on border with the Aldan River (135°, 30' EL), southern - on 60°C highway, northern - on 64°C north latitude. This is the area of the northern hemisphere cold pole which is characterized by wide temperature fluctuations. The January long-term mean air temperature in Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk is minus 49-50°C. In Oymyakon the temperature reaches minus 71°C, in Verkhoyansk minus 68°C and in the central regions the temperature is minus 66°C. The summer is short, but relatively hot (in most of republic the maximum temperature is plus 36-38°C), with a long sunshine duration (a continuous polar day). In 2003 in Yakutia the number of horses was 168,2 thousand, reindeers - 174,8 thousand and cattle - 234,4 thousand animals.

Benefits of zebra stripes: Behaviour of tabanid flies around zebras and horses.

Averting attack by biting flies is increasingly regarded as the evolutionary driver of zebra stripes, although the precise mechanism by which stripes ameliorate attack by ectoparasites is unknown. We examined the behaviour of tabanids (horse flies) in the vicinity of captive plains zebras and uniformly coloured domestic horses living on a horse farm in Britain. Observations showed that fewer tabanids landed on zebras than on horses per unit time, although rates of tabanid circling around or briefly touching zebra and horse pelage did not differ. In an experiment in which horses sequentially wore cloth coats of different colours, those wearing a striped pattern suffered far lower rates of tabanid touching and landing on coats than the same horses wearing black or white, yet there were no differences in attack rates to their naked heads. In separate, detailed video analyses, tabanids approached zebras faster and failed to decelerate before contacting zebras, and proportionately more tabanids simply touched rather than landed on zebra pelage in comparison to horses. Taken together, these findings indicate that, up close, striped surfaces prevented flies from making a controlled landing but did not influence tabanid behaviour at a distance. To counteract flies, zebras swished their tails and ran away from fly nuisance whereas horses showed higher rates of skin twitching. As a consequence of zebras’ striping, very few tabanids successfully landed on zebras and, as a result of zebras’ changeable behaviour, few stayed a long time, or probed for blood.

Taxonomy of Tabanus trivittatus species-group (Diptera: Tabanidae), with description of five new species.

The group of species related to Tabanus trivittatus include horse flies with striped abdomens and partially bare, inflated, subcallus. Herein we describe five new species and raise the number of valid species from 15 to 20, four of which occur in Brazil: T. albocapilus sp. n., T. dorsorufus sp. n., T. mackerrasi sp. n., T. macrocerus sp. n. and one that occur in Brazil, Bolivia and Peru: T. noncallosus sp. n. We also modified the keys from Fairchild (1976) for both sexes and briefly discuss the female genitalia.

Review of the horse flies of the genus Atylotus Osten Sacken, 1876 (Diptera: Tabanidae) from Egypt, with description of a new species.

The genus Atylotus Osten Sacken in Egypt is revised. A new species Atylotus shagrensis sp. nov. is described collected from Wadi Shagra (Eastern Desert). A key to species with illustrations is provided. Diagnosis, specimens examined and distributions are givenfor each species.

SEASONAL ABUNDANCE OF HORSE FLIES (DIPTERA, TABANIDAE) IN THE CHIRPAN EMINENCES, BULGARIA

The aim of the present study was to explore the seasonal activity of tabanids on the territory of the Chirpan Eminences, in Stara Zagora region, Bulgaria. The study was carried out during the flight period (May - September, 2010 - 2011). A total of 1034 specimens of tabanids from 23 species and 8 genera were collected and identified. The horse flies began flying during the second half of May and its flight period lasted until mid - September. The peak of seasonal abundance was observed during the first half of July. The most abundant species in the horse flies assemblages on the Chirpan Eminences were Tabanus quatuоrnotatus (35.30%), Tabanus tergestinus (28.05%) and Philipomyia graeca (10.93%). The largest number of specimens of T. tergestinus was collected during the peak of seasonal abundance of horse flies on the territory of the Chirpan Eminences.

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Glossinidae, Tabanidae and Stomoxyidae Around the Douala-Edea Wildlife Reserve in Cameroon

The objective of this work was to evaluate the diversity and composition of glossines, tabanids and stomoxes in the dry and rainy seasons at the Douala-Edéa Game Reserve (DEGR) using Biconical, Vavoua and Nzi traps. Three traps <i>i.e.</i> one of each type was pitched in the sampled sites with collection carried out three days per month from January to May 2017. A total of 1028 flies were caught among which 49.61% of them belonged to the family Stomoxyidae, Tabanidae (34.63%) and Glossinidae (15.76%). Fourteen species were caught and grouped under the following genera: <i>Glossina</i> (02), <i>Stomoxys</i> (04), but Tabanidae was represented by three genera: <i>Tabanus</i> consisting of three species, <i>Chrysops</i> (03) and <i>Haematopota</i> (2) with the genus <i>Tabanus</i> highly represented. <i>Glossina</i>, <i>Stomoxys</i> and <i>Chrysops</i> were abundant in the rainy season while <i>Tabanus</i> and <i>Haematopota</i> were abundant in the dry season. 50.88% of the catches were from the Vavoua trap, followed by Nzi (39.3%) and Biconical (9.2%).

Antiinflammatory peptides: current knowledge and promising prospects

Inflammation is part of the regular host reaction to injury or infection caused by toxic factors, pathogens, damaged cells, irritants, and allergens. Antiinflammatory peptides (AIPs) are present in all living organisms, and many peptides from herbal, mammalian, bacterial, and marine origins have been shown to have antimicrobial and/or antiinflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of antiinflammatory peptides on inflammation, and highlighted the underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects. In multicellular organisms, including humans, AIPs constitute an essential part of their immune system. In addition, numerous natural and synthetic AIPs are effective immunomodulators and can interfere with signal transduction pathways involved in inflammatory cytokine expression. Among them, some peptides such as antiflammin, N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), and those derived from velvet antler proteins, bee venom, horse fly salivary gland, and bovine β-casein have received considerable attention over the past few years. This article presents an overview on the major properties and mechanisms of action associated with AIPs as immunomodulatory, chemotactic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agents. In addition, the results of various studies dealing with effects of AIPs on numerous classical models of inflammation are reviewed and discussed.

Horse flies and their seasonal abundance in El Tarf Province of northeastern Algeria.

The horse flies of El Tarf Province, northeastern Algeria comprise 15 species within two subfamilies (Chrysopsinae and Tabaninae) belonging to five genera (Atylotus, Chrysops, Dasyrhamphis, Haematopota, and Tabanus). The genera Chrysops, Dasyrhamphis, and Haematopota are represented by two species for each, while the genera Atylotus and Tabanus are represented by four and five species, respectively. Seasonal abundance was assessed from mid-March until the end of September, 2017 for the trapped species. Haematopota pluvialis and Tabanus autumnalis appeared in April and lasted until September with a peak in May. Atylotus agrestis appeared in May with the highest density and lasted until September. Atylotus fulvus, Atylotus kroberi, and Haematopota italica emerged in April with peaks in May, while Chrysops flavipes appeared in March, reaching its peak in May and June, declining in July, and disappearing thereafter. Atylotus flavoguttatus, Chrysops mauritanicus, and Dasyrhamphis tomentosus appeared in April with a peak in June, then disappearing in August. Tabanus nemoralis started to appear in April with a peak in May and disappearance after July. Dasyrhamphis algirus, Tabanus bromius, and Tabanus eggeri started to appear in May. Both Tabanus eggeri and Dasyrhamphis algirus peaked in June and July, whereas T. eggeri lasted until the end of September. Tabanus tinctus was observed in June with a peak in August and lasted until September.

HORSEFLY-WASP SYNDROME

Introduction We present a 67 year old male who developed anaphylaxis after being bitten by a horsefly; likely a more common diagnosis than previously documented. Case Description 67 year old male farmer presented to ED with symptoms of anaphylaxis. He had eaten crab and ten minutes later was bitten by a horsefly on his left hand. He became lightheaded, developed left arm swelling, and itchy hands. Symptoms progressed to peri-oral numbness, neck erythema, emesis and loss of consciousness. His evaluation revealed positive specific IgE by serology to HB, WA, YH, YJ, WFH, horsefly and crab. Six weeks later, patient successfully passed crab challenge. Probable horsefly-wasp syndrome suspected and patient decided to undergo VIT to mixed vespids, wasp, and honeybee. Discussion At least 30 cases of severe allergic reactions to horsefly allergy (family Tabanidae) have been recorded; however, this is thought to be underreported secondary to poor diagnostics and lack of awareness. Clinically, a co-existence of anaphylaxis to horsefly and hymenoptera has been reported. Tab y 2 (a hyaluronidase) and Tab y 5 (antigen 5) have been identified as potential allergen proteins from the saliva of the horsefly as well as wasp venom which supports evidence of horsefly-wasp syndrome. Given the patient's occupational risk, lack of specific immunotherapy for horsefly allergy, and suspected cross reactivity between the wasp and horsefly, VIT for wasp should be considered as a scientifically plausible but limited treatment option for horsefly allergy. We present a 67 year old male who developed anaphylaxis after being bitten by a horsefly; likely a more common diagnosis than previously documented. 67 year old male farmer presented to ED with symptoms of anaphylaxis. He had eaten crab and ten minutes later was bitten by a horsefly on his left hand. He became lightheaded, developed left arm swelling, and itchy hands. Symptoms progressed to peri-oral numbness, neck erythema, emesis and loss of consciousness. His evaluation revealed positive specific IgE by serology to HB, WA, YH, YJ, WFH, horsefly and crab. Six weeks later, patient successfully passed crab challenge. Probable horsefly-wasp syndrome suspected and patient decided to undergo VIT to mixed vespids, wasp, and honeybee. At least 30 cases of severe allergic reactions to horsefly allergy (family Tabanidae) have been recorded; however, this is thought to be underreported secondary to poor diagnostics and lack of awareness. Clinically, a co-existence of anaphylaxis to horsefly and hymenoptera has been reported. Tab y 2 (a hyaluronidase) and Tab y 5 (antigen 5) have been identified as potential allergen proteins from the saliva of the horsefly as well as wasp venom which supports evidence of horsefly-wasp syndrome. Given the patient's occupational risk, lack of specific immunotherapy for horsefly allergy, and suspected cross reactivity between the wasp and horsefly, VIT for wasp should be considered as a scientifically plausible but limited treatment option for horsefly allergy.

The Horsefly Fauna (Diptera, Tabanidae) of Yakutia

The literature on the fauna of the family Tabanidae (Diptera) of Yakutia is analyzed. The distribution of 37 species of horseflies over 7 natural regions of Yakutia is considered. Seven taxa of horseflies previously known by erroneous records are excluded from the fauna of Yakutia.

Recovery of horse fly populations in Louisiana marshes following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in April 2010 had unprecedented impact on the Gulf of Mexico. We established the greenhead horse fly (Tabanus nigrovittatus Macquart) as a bioindicator of marsh health. This species is bound to coastal marshes, since its larvae develop as top invertebrate predators in the marsh soil. Immediately after the oil spill (2010–2011), populations of this horse fly declined in oiled areas of Louisiana marshes with significant impacts on genetic structure. In this follow-up study five years after the catastrophic event (2015–2016), we now report signs of recovery of populations in formerly oiled areas. Fly numbers increased compared to previous counts. Previously detected genetic bottlenecks in oiled populations have disappeared. Migration into oiled areas began to replenish formerly depleted horse fly populations in impacted regions with populations from non-oiled areas as an important source of migrants. Parameters of family structure that had been impacted by the oil spill (number of breeding parents, effective population size, number of family clusters) rebounded to levels similar to or exceeding those in non-oiled control areas.

Species identification of horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) in Thailand using DNA barcoding

Horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) are of medical and veterinary importance because they are known to transmit pathogens. Approximately 80 species of horse flies have been reported in Thailand. Monitoring the distribution of horse fly species is important to control the spread of diseases transmitted by them. Currently, the species identification of horse flies is based on their morphology; this requires considerable skills and taxonomic expertise, and it may be difficult to identify morphologically similar species. DNA-based identification methods are increasingly being developed for rapid and accurate identification of various insect species. In this study, we used mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) for species identification of horse flies in Thailand. A 658 bp fragment of COI was amplified from 145 adult horse flies belonging to 48 morphologically distinct species and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed an intraspecific divergence of 0.0%–4.4% and an interspecific divergence of 0.0%–16.2%. Our results showed that COI barcodes were effective in discriminating a majority of horse flies in Thailand on the basis of the barcoding gap and phylogenetic analyses. However, COI barcodes were unable to distinguish among members of the Tabanus striatus complex and some species within the T. ceylonicus group.