Toward sustainable and effective management of hemorrhagic disease vectors: a survey of Florida deer farmers

Abstract Deer farming is a robust industry in the United States, with farmed and wild cervids vulnerable to vector-borne diseases such as hemorrhagic disease, caused by bluetongue virus and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus. These viruses are transmitted by biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides), highlighting the importance of vector control in safeguarding deer health on deer farms. Despite the role of biting midges as pathogen vectors, effective control programs for managing biting midges remain underdeveloped. To address this gap, a comprehensive evaluation of current pest and vector management practices on deer farms is essential for designing successful control strategies against hemorrhagic disease vectors. We conducted a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey among Florida trophy-deer farmers using an online questionnaire to gather data related to pest and vector control. Thirty-three survey responses were collected out of a pool of 60 farmers. Sixty-six percent of the respondents used insecticides to control pests and vectors, including biting midges, with nearly 70% of these applications using permethrin-based products, with applications taking place as often as daily. Over 82% of the respondents believe that insecticides are the most effective way to control pests, yet most (66%) do not rotate insecticides, raising concerns about the development of insecticide resistance. Our findings underscore the need for educational programs to enhance deer farmers’ understanding of safe and sustainable pest and vector management practices. These efforts could improve pest and vector control efficacy while mitigating the risk of insecticide resistance, ultimately promoting long-term health and productivity in trophy-deer farming.