Evaluation of light emitting diode suction traps for the collection of livestock‐associated Culicoides species in South Africa

Risk analysis of pathogens transmitted by Culicoides (Diptera; Ceratopogonidae) depends on the ability to detect all potential vectors attacking livestock in an area. Onderstepoort 220‐V ultraviolet (UV) down‐draught light traps are considered the gold standard for this purpose. To improve the flexibility of this trap in the field, in the absence of 220‐V power, the possibility of using low‐energy light emitting diodes (LEDs) was assessed. The efficiency of a standard 220‐V Onderstepoort trap (30 cm 8 W fluorescent UV light tube) was compared to that of 220‐V Onderstepoort traps fitted with either two, four or eight individual white LEDs. The Onderstepoort 220‐V trap was also compared to a 12‐V Onderstepoort trap fitted with an 8 W fluorescent UV light tube, a 12‐V Onderstepoort trap with 12 individual white LEDs and 12‐V and 220‐V Onderstepoort traps fitted with 12 individual UV LEDs. Higher numbers of Culicoides as well as species diversity were collected with a brighter light source. The use of UV LEDs in both the 12‐V and 220‐V combinations was comparable to the Onderstepoort 220‐V light trap with ration to species diversity collected. The Onderstepoort 220‐V light trap is recommended if large numbers of Culicoides need to be collected. Higher numbers of Culicoides as well as species diversity were collected with a brighter light source. 12‐V and 220‐V UV LEDs combination was comparable to the Onderstepoort 220‐V light trap with ration to species diversity collected. To collect large numbers of Culicoides the Onderstepoort 220‐V light trap is recommended.