Spatio-temporal dataset (2009-2012) of Culicoides spp., vectors of livestock viruses, in France

Abstract

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of pathogens of veterinary and public health importance, including bluetongue, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, and Oropouche viruses. Following multiple bluetongue virus serotype incursions in France (2000-2008), a nationwide entomological surveillance network (2009-2012) was launched to support livestock health policies and fulfill European Commission requirements. Sampling was conducted using 160 traps deployed across all mainland French départements (French administrative division), excluding three in the Ile-de-France region (Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne). Trapping was synchronized nationally with a weekly frequency during population fluctuations and monthly during known periods of activity/inactivity. Midges were identified to species, sexed, and categorized by physiological status. The network generated the most comprehensive dataset on Culicoides in France, with unprecedented spatiotemporal coverage. Of more than 6.34 million specimens collected, representing at least 83 species, 66% of identified specimens belonged to the Culicoides obsoletus s.l./Culicoides scoticus complex. This unique dataset provides critical insights into species diversity, phenology and ecology, and supports modeling, surveillance, and control of vector-borne diseases at the national scale.

Fig. 1

Distribution of values of quantitative variables among observations/events, for more information about variables, see Table 1.

Fig. 2

Entity-relationship diagram of the dataset. PK denotes the primary key. For more details about the field names, see the Darwin Core Quick Reference Guide.

Fig. 3

Trap collection schedule for the 2009–2012 study period.

Fig. 4

Geographic distribution of Culicoides trapping sites across mainland France from 2009 to 2012. Trap locations are overlaid on biogeographic regions, with French département boundaries outlined for reference.

Fig. 5

Spatial Culicoides population structure with seven most abundant Culicoides species across different administrative regions in France.

Fig. 6

Intra-annual variability of seven most abundant Culicoides species found in France for the 2009–2012 period.

Fig. 7

General trends of the most abundant Culicoides species seasonal dynamics observed during the 2009–2012 period. Horizontal black bars represent the median, the boxes represent the quartiles 1–3 of the monthly abundance data. Extreme values were excluded to better visualize the central trends across species and months.

Fig. 8

Distribution of positive Culicoides spp. counts per trap from 2009 to 2012 in France. The values are represented on a logarithmic scale to reduce overdispersion.