Which arthropod is capable of transmitting African horse sickness in the United States?

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Multiple Choice

Which arthropod is capable of transmitting African horse sickness in the United States?

African horse sickness virus is transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. These tiny hematophagous flies are the proven vectors that pick up the virus from an infected animal and transmit it to others during subsequent bites. If the virus were introduced into the United States, Culicoides midges would be the arthropods most capable of spreading it, since they are common in warm, humid environments where the disease could otherwise take hold. The other arthropods listed are vectors for different diseases (malarial parasites, dengue/other arboviruses, West Nile virus) and are not known to transmit African horse sickness.

African horse sickness virus is transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. These tiny hematophagous flies are the proven vectors that pick up the virus from an infected animal and transmit it to others during subsequent bites. If the virus were introduced into the United States, Culicoides midges would be the arthropods most capable of spreading it, since they are common in warm, humid environments where the disease could otherwise take hold. The other arthropods listed are vectors for different diseases (malarial parasites, dengue/other arboviruses, West Nile virus) and are not known to transmit African horse sickness.

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