They are pesky pests that plague Scots and tourists alike – but now research has found that midges also carry previously unknown viruses.
Scientists at the Medical Research Council and University of Glasgow’s Centre for Virus Research have identified multiple viruses in the biting midge for the first time.
And they found while the insects can be a pain in the neck for humans, they could be fatal for animals such as pigs or herons.
Previous research has identified the midge as being responsible for the emergence and spread of Schmallenberg virus in Europe in 2011, which is thought to cause stillbirths in cattle, sheep and goats.
The latest study used midges gathered from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
The good news is that there is no evidence that any of the newly-identified viruses pose a threat to humans.
Lead author Sejal Modha said: “Although midges are not currently a public health concern in Scotland, our research gives us a better understanding of the viruses they may carry.”
She added the findings would “help us prepare for any possible future emerging risks through improved surveillance and knowledge”.
