Abstract
To investigate the possible vectorial role of aedine mosquitoes in Akabane-virus transmission, periods of virus persistence in the insects' bodies and hematophagical intervals were studied and transmission tests were performed. Most individuals of Aedes arbopictus insufficiently fed on blood can suck blood again while the Akabane virus remains in their bodies. Mosquitoes fed on blood containing the Akabane virus were introduced into a net cage with a susceptible calf. Since no increase in the calf's neutralizing-antibody titers were observed, the vectorial role of the mosquitoes in Akabane-virus transmission was not confirmed.
