Discovery of Blood-Sucking Culicoides Flies in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

🦟 Tagline: Hidden in paradise — 23 species of biting midges raise livestock health alarms in the Andamans.

🔬 New Scientific Breakthrough

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has conducted the first detailed survey of Culicoides (biting midges) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• 23 species identified, out of which 13 are new to India — a major addition to India’s entomological records.
• Total 3,529 adult specimens were studied for classification.

🩸 What Are Culicoides?

• Also called “bhusi flies” locally.
• Tiny, blood-sucking insects, often mistaken for common flies.
• Closer relatives of mosquitoes than houseflies.

🐄 Feeding Habits

• Thrive on blood of livestock:
  • 🐑 Sheep
  • 🐐 Goats
  • 🐄 Cattle
• Also found feeding on wild deer and other mammals.
• 17 species among them are known to bite humans, although no disease transmission to humans has been reported yet.

⚠️ Bluetongue Disease Threat

• Five of the identified species are known vectors of bluetongue disease.
• Affects ruminants, causing:
  • High fever
  • Facial swelling
  • Characteristic blue discolouration of the tongue
• Can be fatal and spread rapidly in livestock populations.

🌾 Agricultural & Economic Impact

• Bluetongue outbreaks could be devastating for livestock-based agriculture.
• Risks include economic losses for farmers and restrictions on livestock trade.
• The remote nature of the islands makes containment and medical response challenging.

👥 Public Health Perspective

• While human bites are common, there is currently no evidence of disease spread to humans.
• However, tourist safety and local health surveillance require proactive monitoring.

🔍 Way Forward – Why Surveillance Matters

• Tourism hub + rich biodiversity = vulnerable ecological zone
• Regular monitoring will:
  • 🛑 Help control vector populations
  • 🧬 Prevent livestock epidemics
  • 🌿 Protect island ecosystems
  • 🧳 Ensure traveller safety