The distribution in Kenya of bluetongue virus and antibody, and the Culicoides vector

Abstract

Sera from domestic cattle, sheep and goats and 11 wild bovid species taken at 41 locations throughout Kenya were screened for antibody to bluetongue virus using the indirect fluorescent antibody method. Positive sera were found at 39 locations and in all the species tested. The distribution of clinical disease was mapped and found to be more restricted than the distribution of antibody. Culicoides were collected in light traps at 55 locations throughout Kenya. The presumptive vector of bluetongue in Kenya, C. pallidipennis, was the most widespread species, found in 38 locations. Both the distribution of antibody and Culicoides have been tabulated by ecological zones to demonstrate that bluetongue virus in its natural state in cattle and wild bovids is far more widespread than clinical bluetongue disease seen in exotic sheep of restricted distribution; and that C. pallidipennis has great ecological range.