**Author details**

in 64%) than either *C. obsoletus* (found in 82%) or *C. pulicaris* (found in 93%). *Culicoides imicola* was significantly more prevalent in south Portugal (91% of southern geographical units) than north Portugal (42% of northern geographical units). The most northern site positive for *C. imicola* in this study was at 41°38.4′ N. *Culicoides imicola* was collected until the maximum altitude of 850 m above sea level. *Culicoides imicola* appeared to be absent from the north-west corner of Portugal and along the north-west coast. On the contrary, *C. imicola* was found to be highly abundant in the central eastern Portugal. During winter, 22,883 individuals of *Culicoides* spp. were collected with *C. pulicaris* accounting for 47% of the total *Culicoides* spp. catch,

68 Epidemiology of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases - Attributes of Lifestyle and Nature on Humankind

Of the total 5800 catches, 3632 contained *Culicoides* species [17]. *Culicoides imicola* was the most frequently observed species, accounting for 74.8% of the individuals, followed by *C. obsoletus* (7.7%). The central region of the country accounted for the highest catches of *C. imicola. Culicoides imicola* was found to be less prevalent than *C. obsoletus* and comparing the distribution data with the one reported in 2000–2001 [20], *C. imicola* was found in five more geographical units, mainly in the northern regions. *Culicoides imicola* prevalence (per geographical unit) was higher in both central and southern regions when compared to the north. The most northern site positive for *C. imicola* in this study was at 41°92′ N. *Culicoides imicola* was collected until the maximum altitude of 1694 m above sea level. *Culicoides imicola* was found to be highly abundant in the central region of the country. The largest collections of *C. imicola* occurred during the summer months of July, August and September, and the lowest during the winter

When combined, both studies provide robust evidence that *C. imicola* has been the most prevalent *Culicoides* species in Portugal for the decade between 2000 and 2010, followed by members of the *Obsoletus* group, clearly showing the sustained presence of Schmallenberg

Both studies also provide strong support to the notion that *C. imicola* is more prevalent in the central and south of Portugal, while the *Obsoletus* group is more widespread throughout the territory. Preferences in vector distribution have been related to different climate and habitat particularities, which are markedly distinct between the north and the central/south regions in Portugal [21]. Mainland Portugal geography is clearly demarcated by both the Atlantic at the north and the Mediterranean at the south with a borderline set across the territory and defined by Tagus, dividing the north with its forests, valleys and mountains, and the south with its vast lowlands where typical Mediterranean vegetation grows [17]. Climate is also diverse with maritime features and sharp differences between seasons in the north, and dry hot climate in the south. Higher prevalence of *C. imicola* in the south has been associated to the vector preference for breeding in moist nutrient-rich soils with high exposure to sun, typical features of southern regions of Portugal [17], and a preference not observed for *Obsoletus*

followed by *C. obsoletus* (6%) and *C. imicola* (1%).

months of December, January and February.

virus vectors across the territory [11, 17].

**2.3. Overall analysis 2000–2010**

group [20].

**2.2. Step two 2005–2010**

Fernando Esteves1,2, João Rodrigo Mesquita1,2,3\*, Cármen Nóbrega1,2, Carla Santos1,2, António Monteiro1,2, Rita Cruz1,2, Helena Vala1,2,4 and Ana Cláudia Coelho5

\*Address all correspondence to: jmesquita@esav.ipv.pt

1 Agrarian Superior School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal

2 Centre for the Study of Education, Technologies and Health (CI&DETS), Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal

3 CIBIO/UP, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources/University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal

4 Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Vila Real, Portugal

5 Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
