Small mosquitoes that cause dead sheep and infected cattle. Midges are mainly responsible, but according to insect expert Peter Koomen, humans also have a role in it.
Midges are small mosquitoes related to mosquitoes. They have bead-shaped antennae and are basically always there, even in the Netherlands. Occasionally they cause problems.
Mosquitoes can transmit viruses, and midges currently transmit the bluetongue virus between ruminants. Expert Koomen from Nature Museum Fryslรขn explains exactly how this works.
“When midges sting, they introduce some saliva to ensure that it goes well. This also dilates the vessels around the sting, so that more blood can flow to it, which has a numbing effect,” Koomen explains. “The body will then respond. A virus can also be introduced in the process.”
2023-10-14 10:05:15
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