Bluetongue, a viral disease of ruminants, spreads from one animal to another through a biting fly. Although cattle do not usually become sick from the disease and Bluetongue does not have a strong foothold in Canada, it’s biting fly vectors are found in parts of southern BC, AB, and likely SK. Climate change can make conditions favorable for disease outbreaks in new areas.
To prepare for the possibility of an outbreak, it is important to identify potential vector species and develop information on their seasonal abundance, biology, and population dynamics. Continue reading