ZSI identifies 23 species of blood-sucker flies in A&N Islands

Kolkata: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) researchers have identified 23 species of blood-sucking flies belonging to the Culicoides genus in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands with 13 species being reported for the first time in India.

Blue Tongue Disease, transmitted by these flies, manifests through symptoms including blue discoloration of the tongue, fever, facial swelling and excessive salivation, potentially leading to death in affected animals.

The disease poses a significant threat to livestock farming and the agricultural economy.

Known locally as “Bhusi flies,” these tiny insects, though similar in appearance to flies, are more closely related to mosquitoes in their feeding habits. They primarily feed on the blood of livestock such as sheep, goats, and cattle, as well as wild animals like deer.

Of particular concern are five species known to transmit the Blue Tongue Disease virus.

Dhriti Banerjee, director ZSI, said: “The presence of multiple Culicoides species, particularly those responsible for Blue Tongue virus transmission, necessitates regular surveillance and appropriate control measures in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This is especially crucial given the region’s importance as a major tourist destination”.

The study, conducted in 2022 and 2023, revealed that 17 of the 23 species identified are known to bite humans, though researchers reassure that no human disease transmission has been reported so far.