Viruses

Nathan Burkett-Cadena

This publication provides an in-depth profile of Culicoides paraensis Goeldi (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a species of biting midge also sometimes called sand flies and no-see-ums, found throughout forested areas of North and South America. In the Amazon Region of South America, this species is the only confirmed vector of a potentially deadly human pathogen, Oropouche virus, which is spreading beyond its endemic range.  Culicoides paraensis is relevant to Florida due to its propensity to bite humans and its potential to transmit a human pathogen. This profile is intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Braxton Sizemore and Juan Manuel Campos Krauer

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a viral infection of a wide variety of ruminant species and, in rare cases, swine. This publication discusses common clinical signs of MCF as well as prevention and treatment of MCF infection. Written by Braxton Sizemore and Juan Manuel Campos Krauer, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, February 2025.

De-Fen Mou, Germán V. Sandoya, Anna Mészáros, Ozgur Batuman, andTrevor Smith

This publication aims to raise awareness of the updated Florida seed certification requirement for lettuce mosaic virus (LMV). Florida mandates that all lettuce seeds sold and used in the state must be tested and certified as LMV-free (i.e., zero infected seed per 30,000 tested for LMV). The information presented in this publication is directed to state and county Extension faculty, crop consultants, current and potential lettuce producers, seed companies, and home gardeners who grow lettuce in Florida.

Roy P. E. Yanong

Lymphocystis is a chronic disease of freshwater and marine fishes caused by infection with an iridovirus known as Lymphocystivirus or Lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV), which is a member of the family Iridoviridae. Infection results in the development of pebble or wart-like nodules most commonly seen on the fins, skin, or gills, although other tissues may be affected. Although the disease has been seen worldwide in numerous species since its first description in 1874, its viral cause was not identified until 1962. The lymphocystiviruses are considered much less pathogenic (disease-causing) than their iridoviral relatives, the ranaviruses and megalocytiviruses, which can cause severe, systemic disease with higher mortalities.

James D. Ellis, James C. Fulton, Kiley J. Epperson, andJames D. Ellis
Other Contacts: Amy Vu

Viruses can have a significant negative economic impact on the international and domestic apiary industries. Globally, more than 70 viruses have been described infecting the western honey bee. Only a small proportion of these viruses cause noticeable adverse clinical signs in bees. The purpose of this publication is to provide beekeepers an overview of bee viruses commonly found in Florida, virus impact on colony health, associated clinical signs of viruses, and virus transmission pathways.

Roy P. E. Yanong

This document is about betanodaviruses, an emerging group of viruses infecting over 40 marine and some freshwater fish species worldwide1. It details the characteristics of these viruses, including their non-enveloped, icosahedral-shaped capsid and single-stranded, positive-sense RNA2. The document discusses the diseases caused by betanodaviruses, such as viral nervous necrosis (VNN) and viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER), which primarily affect the central nervous system of fish34. It also covers prevention and control measures, including good husbandry, biosecurity, and the potential use of vaccines. The document emphasizes the importance of working with fish health professionals for diagnosis and management. First published Dec. 2010.