Abstract:
To identify possible vectors of Schmallenberg virus (SBV), we tested pools
containing heads of biting midges (Culicoides) that were caught during the
summer and early autumn of 2011 at several places in Belgium by real-time
RT-PCR. Pools of heads originating from following species: C. obsoletus complex,
C. dewulfi and C. chiopterus were found positive, strongly indicating that these
species are relevant vectors for SBV.
