著者

梁瀬 徹

出版者

日本衛生動物学会

雑誌

衛生動物 (ISSN:04247086)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.60, no.3, pp.195-212, 2009

被引用文献数

5

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Arboviruses transmitted by Culicoides biting midges cause domestic animal diseases such as congenital abnormalities and acute febrile illnesses in ruminants. Epidemics of these arboviruses, Akabane, Aino, Chuzan and Ibaraki viruses, have been frequently reported in the western part of Japan and have brought great economical damage to the livestock industry. These arboviruses are most frequently isolated from Culicoides oxystoma Kieffer in the southern part of Japan, indicating that this species acts an important vector for transmission of these viruses. However, several outbreaks have occurred in the northern regions where C. oxystoma has not been previously observed, suggesting the existence of other vector species. Recently, several arboviruses distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions such as the Peaton, Sathuperi and Shamonda viruses were newly isolated in Japan. Several clinical cases imply these viruses are related to congenital abnormalities in cattle. Global warming is expected to expand the range of arboviruses to higher latitudes because of the brisk activities of the vectors. Therefore, we should provide integrated surveillance systems, sophisticated diagnostic measures and effective prevention strategies to combat the threats of arbovirus infections.