A Mini-review of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Fauna and its Vectorial Role in Tunisia
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Abstract
Following the bluetongue outbreaks in Tunisia from 1999 to 2006, bluetongue virus serotype 2 was isolated and several entomological investigations were performed. The present study reviewed the current status of Culicoides fauna in Tunisia and their role as proven and potential vectors of bluetongue virus based on the available and scattered reports. In total, about 35 species of Culicoides are known to occur in the country. Culicoides imicola is taken into account because the main and therefore the proven vector of bluetongue virus.