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Abstract
Hemorrhagic Disease (HD) is caused by two genetically related but distinct groups of arthropod-borne viruses, the bluetongue (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses (EHDV). HD primarily affects white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus) and is transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides spp.). Currently, the Culicoides species involved in EHDV transmission in North America are poorly defined and this greatly limits our understanding of EHDV epidemiology and vector competence. To date the majority of animal-vector experiments with EHDV have utilized large ruminants such as WTD and cattle and there is a recognized need for more efficient host models. Practical justifications for use of an animal model over traditional large animal species include, but are not limited to reduced cost, less intensive labor, availability of commercial products such as kits and reagents, and in the case of deer, improved animal availability. Two potential animal systems for EHDV, immunodeficient mice and embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs), were experimentally infected with North American EHDV serotypes 1, 2 and 6. Our findings demonstrate that both models support infection of North American EHDV serotypes. Additionally, EHDV transmission to Culicoides sonorensis was demonstrated in both models. In addition, a full transmission cycle from host to Culicoides sonorensis back to a nave host was completed in the ECE model.