In addition to being complex, the process of carcinogenesis is typically prolonged, requiring a significant portion of the lifespan to become clinically apparent. While perturbations in cellular DNA are essential to carcinogenesis, they alone are not sufficient to cause cancer in all cases.
Print Version. Biting midges are minute to tiny flies that can be severe biting pests of humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Their blood-sucking habits also raise concerns about possible involvement in the transmission of disease agents.
In the U.S., the biting midges are primarily a nuisance and the major medical issue associated with Culicoides is allergic reactions to the bites. However, like other blood feeding Diptera, Culicoides species are vectors of pathogens that can cause disease in humans and animals.