The Study of Bluetongue Virus (BTV) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) Circulation and Vectors at the Municipal Parks and Zoobotanical Foundation of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil (FPMZB-BH)

Bluetongue Virus (BTV) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) are <i>Orbiviruses</i> primarily transmitted by their biological vector, <i>Culicoides</i> spp. Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). These viruses can infect a diverse range of vertebrate hosts, leading to disease outbreaks in domestic and wild ruminants worldwide. This study, conducted at the Belo Horizonte Municipal Parks and Zoobotany Foundation (FPMZB-BH), Minas Gerais, Brazil, focused on <i>Orbivirus</i> and its vectors. Collections of <i>Culicoides</i> spp. were carried out at the FPMZB-BH from 9 December 2021 to 18 November 2022. A higher prevalence of these insects was observed during the summer months, especially in February. Factors such as elevated temperatures, high humidity, fecal accumulation, and proximity to large animals, like camels and elephants, were associated with increased <i>Culicoides</i> capture. Among the identified <i>Culicoides</i> spp. species, <i>Culicoides insignis</i> Lutz, 1913, constituted 75%, and <i>Culicoides pusillus</i> Lutz, 1913, 6% of the collected midges, both described as competent vectors for <i>Orbivirus</i> transmission. Additionally, a previously unreported species in Minas Gerais, <i>Culicoides debilipalpis</i> Lutz, 1913, was identified, also suspected of being a transmitter of these <i>Orbiviruses</i>. The feeding preferences of some <i>Culicoides</i> species were analyzed, revealing that <i>C. insignis</i> feeds on deer, Red deer (<i>Cervus elaphus</i>) and European fallow deer (<i>Dama dama</i>). Different <i>Culicoides</i> spp. were also identified feeding on humans, raising concerns about the potential transmission of arboviruses at the site. In parallel, 72 serum samples from 14 susceptible species, including various <i>Cervids</i>, collected between 2012 and 2022 from the FPMZB-BH serum bank, underwent Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) testing for BTV and EHDV. The results showed 75% seropositivity for BTV and 19% for EHDV. Post-testing analysis revealed variations in antibody presence against BTV in a tapir and a fallow deer and against EHDV in a gemsbok across different years. These studies confirm the presence of BTV and EHDV vectors, along with potential virus circulation in the zoo. Consequently, implementing control measures is essential to prevent susceptible species from becoming infected and developing clinical diseases.