144 - Ceratopogonid midges as potential vectors of Onchocerca lupi in Northern Arizona

Abstract: Onchocerca lupi (Rodonaja, 1967) is an understudied vector-borne filarial nematode that causes ocular onchocercosis in dogs, cats, coyotes, wolves, and recently, humans. Onchocercosis in dogs has been reported with increasing incidence worldwide. However, despite the growing number of reports describing canine O. lupi as well as global zoonotic infections, the geographic distribution, prevalence, and vector species of this parasite remains largely unknown. Here, our study aimed to identify the occurrence of O. lupi infested dogs within the Navajo Reservation which spans both northern Arizona and New Mexico, USA. Utilizing these results, targeted insect trapping was performed to identify the vector of this nematode. This targeted and controlled sampling of both host and vector provide novel insights regarding the occurrence and potential endemic range of O. lupi in the United States. Furthermore, the identification of vectors in close proximity to human populations coupled with multiple, local zoonotic cases highlights the one health importance of O. lupi.