DOCSLIB.ORG

Aedes Vigilax

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Aedes Vigilax Mee et al. Parasites Vectors (2021) 14:434 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-021-04923-y Parasites & Vectors RESEARCH Open Access Quantitative PCR assay for the detection of Aedes vigilax in mosquito trap collections containing large numbers of morphologically similar species and phylogenetic analysis of specimens collected in Victoria, Australia Peter T. Mee* , Shani Wong, Karen Brown and Stacey E. Lynch Abstract Background: Aedes vigilax is one of the most signifcant arbovirus vector and pest species in Australia’s coastal regions. Occurring in multiple countries, this mosquito species occurs as a species complex which has been separated into three clades with two detected in Australia. Until recently, Ae. vigilax has largely been absent from Victoria, only occasionally caught over the years, with no reported detections from 2010 to 2016. Complicating the detection of Ae. vigilax is the shared sympatric distribution to the morphologically similar Ae. camptorhynchus, which can exceed 10,000 mosquitoes in a single trap night in Victoria. Currently, there are no molecular assays available for the detec- tion of Ae. vigilax. We aim to develop a quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the detection of Ae. vigilax, with the specifcity and sensitivity of this assay assessed as well as a method to process whole mosquito traps. Methods: Trapping was performed during the 2017–2020 mosquito season in Victoria in two coastal areas across these 3 consecutive years. A qPCR assay was designed to allow rapid identifcation of Ae. vigilax as well as a whole mosquito trap homogenizing and processing methodology. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine which clade Ae. vigilax from Victoria was closest to. Results: Aedes vigilax was successfully detected each year across two coastal areas of Victoria, confrming the pres- ence of this species. The qPCR assay was proven to be sensitive and specifc to Ae. vigilax, with trap sizes up to 1000 mosquitoes showing no inhibition in detection sensitivity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Ae. vigilax from Victo- ria is associated with clade III, showing high sequence similarity to those previously collected in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. Conclusions: Aedes vigilax is a signifcant vector species that shares an overlapping distribution to the morphologi- cally similar Ae. camptorhynchus, making detection difcult. Here, we have outlined the implementation of a specifc and sensitive molecular screening assay coupled with a method to process samples for detection of Ae. vigilax in col- lections with large numbers of non-target species. Keywords: Aedes vigilax, qPCR, Whole trap processing, Phylogenetics *Correspondence: [email protected] Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia © The Author(s) 2021. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http:// creat iveco mmons. org/ licen ses/ by/4. 0/. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http:// creat iveco mmons. org/ publi cdoma in/ zero/1. 0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data. Mee et al. Parasites Vectors (2021) 14:434 Page 2 of 15 Background with high salinity, including Mildura in Northern Vic- Aedes vigilax is regarded as an aggressive mosquito spe- toria and the Wheatbelt Valleys in Western Australia cies, with a host preference for humans, other mammals [17–20]. Morphologically, these two species are similar, and occasionally avian species [1, 2]. Aedes vigilax is apart from a few distinguishing characteristics such as regarded as the principal vector of Ross River virus (RRV) pale scales on the wings and hook-shaped scales on the in coastal and sub-coastal areas of Australia [3, 4] as well Ae. vigilax tergites [21], which can be easily missed if as vectoring a range of other arboviruses such as Barmah the specimens are damaged or in large collections. In Forest virus (BFV) and has experimentally been proven addition to the morphological similarities to other spe- competent to exotic arboviruses such as chikungunya cies, Ae. vigilax occurs as a complex of three clades virus (CHIKV), West Nile virus and Japanese encepha- with morphological and molecular variations, with two litis virus [3–5]. Active during crepuscular periods, Ae. of these occurring in Australia [22–24]. Variation in vigilax can bite during the day, particularly around larval vector competence has been detected between Ae. vigi- habitats where large populations can occur. Tis mos- lax populations’ ability to transmit viruses and flarial quito species has been classifed as a diverse generalist parasites, with these variations possibly refecting dif- feeder increasing this mosquitoe species’ ability to poten- ferences between clades [23, 25]. tially act as a bridge vector of a range of pathogens [2]. Molecular assays, such as conventional PCR [26] or Aedes vigilax (known as the northern saltmarsh mos- PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) quito) breeds episodically in coastal regions of Australia, [27], have widely been used to identify signifcant mos- with the female depositing her eggs in damp soil associ- quito species. However, these techniques require a time- ated with foodplains, mudfats and brackish to hyper- consuming visualization process after amplifcation and saline pools, with a high density of eggs occurring at are not suited for rapid processing of traps containing vegetated sites amongst mangroves and artifcial drain- large numbers of mosquitoes. Te use of species-spe- age areas [6, 7]. Tese coastal sites get fooded by above cifc qPCR assays have been implemented to rapidly and average or “king” tides causing large hatching events of efectively identify exotic species [28, 29] and inform this species [8]. Aedes vigilax populations can sporadi- public health risk assessments for arboviral diseases cally explode (with overnight collections in the 1000s) [30]. Sequencing-based detection of mosquitoes and with the coincidence of high tides, warmer air tempera- the viruses they transmit in recent years has increased tures and day length [6]. Along Australia’s coastline, Ae. in popularity [31, 32]. However, in many cases, this can vigilax occurs in New South Wales, Queensland, North- result in reduced sensitivity compared to qPCR due to ern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia and the non-specifc nature of these techniques and the need has generally been thought to be absent or not well estab- for higher quality DNA due to the larger fragments being lished in Victoria and Tasmania [9, 10]. Although frst targeted [29, 33, 34]. Methods that are based on the pro- reported in the northwest of Victoria in the original sur- cessing of whole mosquito traps can also have compro- veys by Lee et al. in 1984, there have only been sporadic mised detection sensitivity as a result of the presences of detections of this species in the state-wide mosquito and PCR inhibitors; however, rigorous method development arbovirus surveillance program (the Victorian Arbovirus for whole mosquito trap processing can overcome these Disease Control Program). More recently, two individu- inhibitors, as has been documented. als were detected in 2005 in the Bass coast, a single indi- During the 2017/2018 mosquito season, Ae. vigilax vidual in 2008 in Attwood, 17 in Wellington in 2009 and was frst detected in the saltmarsh areas of the Gippsland 8 individuals in Moira 2010 [11, 12], with this represent- Lakes in Victoria, Australia, a region historically domi- ing the last detection of this species until the recent 2017 nated by Ae. camptorhynchus. Tese detections led to trapping reported here. expanded surveillance to understand the distribution of Aedes camptorhynchus (known as the southern salt- Ae. vigilax and determine whether this species had estab- marsh mosquito) has a similar habitat to Ae. vigilax and lished in the area. Here, we present the development of a a sympatric distribution but prefers lower mean tem- specifc qPCR assay and a whole trap processing method peratures and is common in the coastal areas of Victo- that can be used to efciently detect Ae. vigilax in whole ria and other parts of southern Australia [6]. Outbreaks trap collections. Te phylogenetic relationship of the of Ross River virus (RRV) [13–15] and Barmah For- newly detected Ae. vigilax, with established Ae. vigilax est virus (BFV) [16] have been associated with a high clades was also investigated by sequencing three loci, one abundance of this mosquito species. Previous records mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) [35] have indicated a potentially more extensive geographic and two nuclear genes, alpha amylase and the zinc fn- distribution of Ae. camptorhynchus, with reported ger gene [23]. Tis investigation provides further under- detections in non-coastal sites such as inland regions standing of the occurrence of Ae. vigilax in Victoria as Mee et al. Parasites Vectors (2021) 14:434 Page 3 of 15 well as the development of a new molecular method for are standard surveillance samples and hence are repre- the detection of individual mosquitoes in whole traps. sentative of the condition and quality of these samples. Insects were morphologically identifed on a pre-chilled Methods cold bench to preserve the quality of the specimens using Mosquito trapping a stereo-dissecting microscope and taxonomic keys [21, Mosquitoes were trapped using encephalitis virus sur- 38, 39].
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Climate Change and Human Health: Risks and Responses
    Climate change and human health RISKS AND RESPONSES Editors A.J. McMichael The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia D.H. Campbell-Lendrum London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom C.F. Corvalán World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland K.L. Ebi World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, European Centre for Environment and Health, Rome, Italy A.K. Githeko Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya J.D. Scheraga US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA A. Woodward University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION GENEVA 2003 WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data Climate change and human health : risks and responses / editors : A. J. McMichael . [et al.] 1.Climate 2.Greenhouse effect 3.Natural disasters 4.Disease transmission 5.Ultraviolet rays—adverse effects 6.Risk assessment I.McMichael, Anthony J. ISBN 92 4 156248 X (NLM classification: WA 30) ©World Health Organization 2003 All rights reserved. Publications of the World Health Organization can be obtained from Marketing and Dis- semination, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland (tel: +41 22 791 2476; fax: +41 22 791 4857; email: [email protected]). Requests for permission to reproduce or translate WHO publications—whether for sale or for noncommercial distribution—should be addressed to Publications, at the above address (fax: +41 22 791 4806; email: [email protected]). The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
    [Show full text]
  • Doh Multi-Page Template
    Medical Entomology 2016/2017 Annual Report Environmental Health Hazards Unit Environmental Health Directorate Public Health Division Department of Health, Western Australia PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre Perth, 6849 Acknowledgements The extensive and diverse work program undertaken by the Department of Health’s Medical Entomology team outlined in this Annual Report could not have been completed without significant assistance and collaboration from many partners and stakeholders. In particular, the Medical Entomology team wishes to thank the Department of Health for its ongoing support in regards to this important public health program including: o the Environmental Health Directorate; o the Communicable Disease Control Directorate; o Population Health Units/Area Health Services o PathWest; and o Communications Directorate. The Pathwest laboratory continued to have a significant involvement in the program through provision of laboratory services for key components of the surveillance program for detection of arboviruses of public health significance to the State. We also acknowledge and thank the Population Health Units and the Western Australian Country Health Service for their role in reporting and follow-up of human cases of disease, and especially the role of Local Governments in the management of mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit. These organisations play an active role in the provision of data, case follow up investigations, care and bleeding of chickens for the sentinel chicken program, trapping of mosquitoes, mosquito control treatments and advice to the Western Australian community about disease risk through the media. In particular we thank Environmental Health Officers from the 139 Local Governments across WA, especially those within Contiguous Local Authority Groups (CLAGs), who respond to public complaints, undertake larval and adult mosquito surveys, and undertake mosquito control activities as part of their complex, integrated programs to manage the risks to public health and amenity within their regions.
    [Show full text]
  • ARTHROPODA Subphylum Hexapoda Protura, Springtails, Diplura, and Insects
    NINE Phylum ARTHROPODA SUBPHYLUM HEXAPODA Protura, springtails, Diplura, and insects ROD P. MACFARLANE, PETER A. MADDISON, IAN G. ANDREW, JOCELYN A. BERRY, PETER M. JOHNS, ROBERT J. B. HOARE, MARIE-CLAUDE LARIVIÈRE, PENELOPE GREENSLADE, ROSA C. HENDERSON, COURTenaY N. SMITHERS, RicarDO L. PALMA, JOHN B. WARD, ROBERT L. C. PILGRIM, DaVID R. TOWNS, IAN McLELLAN, DAVID A. J. TEULON, TERRY R. HITCHINGS, VICTOR F. EASTOP, NICHOLAS A. MARTIN, MURRAY J. FLETCHER, MARLON A. W. STUFKENS, PAMELA J. DALE, Daniel BURCKHARDT, THOMAS R. BUCKLEY, STEVEN A. TREWICK defining feature of the Hexapoda, as the name suggests, is six legs. Also, the body comprises a head, thorax, and abdomen. The number A of abdominal segments varies, however; there are only six in the Collembola (springtails), 9–12 in the Protura, and 10 in the Diplura, whereas in all other hexapods there are strictly 11. Insects are now regarded as comprising only those hexapods with 11 abdominal segments. Whereas crustaceans are the dominant group of arthropods in the sea, hexapods prevail on land, in numbers and biomass. Altogether, the Hexapoda constitutes the most diverse group of animals – the estimated number of described species worldwide is just over 900,000, with the beetles (order Coleoptera) comprising more than a third of these. Today, the Hexapoda is considered to contain four classes – the Insecta, and the Protura, Collembola, and Diplura. The latter three classes were formerly allied with the insect orders Archaeognatha (jumping bristletails) and Thysanura (silverfish) as the insect subclass Apterygota (‘wingless’). The Apterygota is now regarded as an artificial assemblage (Bitsch & Bitsch 2000).
    [Show full text]
  • Mosquito-Borne Viruses and Non-Human Vertebrates in Australia: a Review
    viruses Review Mosquito-Borne Viruses and Non-Human Vertebrates in Australia: A Review Oselyne T. W. Ong 1,2 , Eloise B. Skinner 3,4 , Brian J. Johnson 2 and Julie M. Old 5,* 1 Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; [email protected] 2 Mosquito Control Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; [email protected] 3 Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; [email protected] 4 Biology Department, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA 5 School of Science, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury, Locked bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Mosquito-borne viruses are well recognized as a global public health burden amongst humans, but the effects on non-human vertebrates is rarely reported. Australia, houses a number of endemic mosquito-borne viruses, such as Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. In this review, we synthesize the current state of mosquito-borne viruses impacting non-human vertebrates in Australia, including diseases that could be introduced due to local mosquito distribution. Given the unique island biogeography of Australia and the endemism of vertebrate species (including macropods and monotremes), Australia is highly susceptible to foreign mosquito species becoming established, and mosquito-borne viruses becoming endemic alongside novel reservoirs. For each virus, we summarize the known geographic distribution, mosquito vectors, vertebrate hosts, clinical signs and treatments, and highlight the importance of including non-human vertebrates in the assessment of future disease outbreaks. The mosquito-borne viruses discussed can impact wildlife, livestock, and companion animals, causing significant changes to Australian Citation: Ong, O.T.W.; Skinner, E.B.; ecology and economy.
    [Show full text]
  • Soil, Food Security and Human Health: a Review
    European Journal of Soil Science, March 2015, 66, 257–276 doi: 10.1111/ejss.12216 Invited Review Soil, food security and human health: a review M. A. Olivera & P. J. Gregoryb,c aDepartment of Geography & Environmental Science, School of Human & Environmental Sciences, Soil Research Centre, The University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 233, Reading RG6 6DW, UK, bEast Malling Research, New Road, East Malling, Kent ME19 6BJ, UK, and cCentre for Food Security, School of Agriculture, Policy & Development, The University of Reading, Earley Gate, Reading RG6 6AR, UK Summary Direct effects of soil or its constituents on human health are through its ingestion, inhalation or absorption. The soil contains many infectious organisms that may enter the human body through these pathways, but it also provides organisms on which our earliest antibiotics are based. Indirect effects of soil arise from the quantity and quality of food that humans consume. Trace elements can have both beneficial and toxic effects on humans, especially where the range for optimal intake is narrow. We focus on four trace elements (iodine, iron, selenium and zinc) whose deficiencies have substantial effects on human health. As the world’s population increases issues of food security become more pressing, as does the need to sustain soil fertility and minimize its degradation. Lack of adequate food and food of poor nutritional quality lead to differing degrees of under-nutrition, which in turn causes ill health. Soil and land are finite resources and agricultural land is under severe competition from other uses. Relationships between soil and health are often difficult to extricate because of the many confounding factors present.
    [Show full text]
  • SOUTHERN SALTMARSH MOSQUITO 1. Description of The
    SOUTHERN SALTMARSH MOSQUITO 1. Description of the problem (a) Location of the case study East coast of the North Island of New Zealand, from Hawke’s Bay north to East Cape. (b) History (origin, pathway and dates, including time-period between initial entry/first detection of alien species and development of impacts) of introduction(s) Southern saltmarsh mosquitoes were first discovered in New Zealand in December 1998. It is not known how they arrived but possible pathways include by sea via the Port of Napier, possibly in soft-top containers, tyre imports or live- sheep ships returning from Australia. Mosquitoes were most likely present for more than one breeding season before discovery in 1998. From the initial site near Napier, three other populations have now been discovered, the most recent in November 2000. The mosquitoes were thought to be spreading by hitch-hiking on planes and ship containers, but the most recent find is near a town with no international airport or port, although fishing vessels, pleasure craft and top-dressing or other small aircraft will be present. Almost immediately after the mosquito was identified (on 25 December 1998) a response centre was set up. Spraying of Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti) to contain the mosquito began one month later (21 January 1999). (Bti is a biological spray specific to mosquito, blackfly and gnat larvae). A health risk assessment was finalised in February and an eradication plan begun in August of that year. (c) Description of the alien species concerned: biology of the alien species (the scientific name of species should be indicated if possible) and ecology of the invasion(s) (type of and potential or actual impacts on biological diversity and ecosystem(s) invaded or threatened, and stakeholders involved) The southern saltmarsh mosquito, Aedes camptorhynchus, is believed to have come to New Zealand from Australia.
    [Show full text]
  • Eradication of Invading Insect Populations: from Concepts to Applications Andrew M
    EN61CH18-Liebhold ARI 1 February 2016 13:2 Eradication of Invading Insect ANNUAL Populations: From Concepts REVIEWS Further Click here to view this article's online features: to Applications • Download figures as PPT slides • Navigate linked references • Download citations • Explore related articles 1,∗ 2 • Search keywords Andrew M. Liebhold, Ludek Berec, Eckehard G. Brockerhoff,3 Rebecca S. Epanchin-Niell,4 Alan Hastings,5 Daniel A. Herms,6 John M. Kean,7 Deborah G. McCullough,8 David M. Suckling,9 Patrick C. Tobin,10 and Takehiko Yamanaka11 1US Forest Service Northern Research Station, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505; email: [email protected], [email protected] 2Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceskˇ e´ Budejovice,ˇ Czech Republic; email: [email protected] 3Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Christchurch 8540, New Zealand; email: [email protected] 4Resources for the Future, Washington, DC 20036; email: [email protected] 5Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, California 95616; email: [email protected] 6Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio 44691; email: [email protected] 7AgResearch Limited, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; email: [email protected] 8Department of Entomology and Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824; email: [email protected] 9New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research and University of Auckland, Christchurch 4704, New Zealand; email: [email protected] 10School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195; email: [email protected] 11Natural Resources Inventory Center, National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, Ibaraki 305-8604, Japan; email: [email protected] Annu.
    [Show full text]
  • Identification of the Source of Blood Meals in Mosquitoes Collected From
    Gyawali et al. Parasites Vectors (2019) 12:198 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-019-3455-2 Parasites & Vectors RESEARCH Open Access Identifcation of the source of blood meals in mosquitoes collected from north-eastern Australia Narayan Gyawali1,2,3*, Andrew W. Taylor‑Robinson4, Richard S. Bradbury1, David W. Huggins5, Leon E. Hugo3, Kym Lowry2 and John G. Aaskov2 Abstract Background: More than 70 arboviruses have been identifed in Australia and the transmission cycles of most are poorly understood. While there is an extensive list of arthropods from which these viruses have been recovered, far less is known about the non‑human hosts that may be involved in the transmission cycles of these viruses and the relative roles of diferent mosquito species in cycles of transmission involving diferent hosts. Some of the highest rates of human infection with zoonotic arboviruses, such as Ross River (RRV) and Barmah Forest (BFV) viruses, occur in coastal regions of north‑eastern Australia. Methods: Engorged mosquitoes collected as a part of routine surveillance using CO 2‑baited light traps in the Rock‑ hampton Region and the adjoining Shire of Livingstone in central Queensland, north‑eastern Australia, were ana‑ lysed for the source of their blood meal. A 457 or 623 nucleotide region of the cytochrome b gene in the blood was amplifed by PCR and the amplicons sequenced. The origin of the blood was identifed by comparing the sequences obtained with those in GenBank®. Results: The most common hosts for the mosquitoes sampled were domestic cattle (26/54) and wild birds (14/54). Humans (2/54) were an infrequent host for this range of mosquitoes that are known to transmit arboviruses causing human disease, and in an area where infections with human pathogens like RRV and BFV are commonly recorded.
    [Show full text]
  • I MODELLING the DEMOGRAPHY and CONTROL of DISEASE
    MODELLING THE DEMOGRAPHY AND CONTROL OF DISEASE-CARRYING TROPICAL MOSQUITOES IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA By Siobhan Clare de Little A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Adelaide October 2011 i ii Statement of Originality I, Siobhan Clare de Little certify that this work contains no material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma in any university or other tertiary institution and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, contains no material previously published or written by another person, except where due reference has been made in the text. I give consent to this copy of my thesis when deposited in the University Library, being made available for loan and photocopying, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. The author acknowledges that copyright of published works contained within this thesis (as listed below*) resides with the copyright holder(s) of those works. I also give permission for the digital version of my thesis to be made available on the web, via the University’s digital research repository, the Library catalogue, the Australasian Digital Theses Program (ADTP) and also through web search engines, unless permission has been granted by the University to restrict access for a period of time. *DE LITTLE, S. C., BOWMAN, D. M. J. S., WHELAN P. I., BROOK, B. W. & BRADSHAW, C. J. A. 2009. Quantifying the drivers of larval density patterns in two tropical mosquito species to maximize control efficiency. Environmental Entomology, 38:4, 1013-1021.
    [Show full text]
  • 3.06 Managing Mosquitoes in Coastal Wetlands
    Chapter 3.6 — Managing mosquitoes in coastal wetlands • 321 3.6 Managing mosquitoes in coastal wetlands Dr Cameron Webb1,2 1University of Sydney & Pathology West - ICPMR Westmead, Westmead, Australia 2Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Level 3 ICPMR, Westmead Hospital NSW 2145 Australia Abstract The mosquitoes associated with estuarine wetlands represent some of the most important pest species in Australia. The saltmarsh mosquito, Aedes vigilax, and the southern saltmarsh mosquito, Aedes camptorhynchus, are both adapted to estuarine conditions and are often exceptionally abundant during periods of favourable environmental conditions. In those regions where abundant populations occur, these species play a locally significant role in the transmission of disease-causing pathogens, in particular Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus. A range of strategies are available to manage the risks associated with these estuarine mosquitoes. These may include the use of control agents targeting the aquatic immature mosquitoes and/ or habitat modifications that reduce the suitability of estuarine habitats. Local authorities must remain mindful of these strategies as an increased abundance of mosquitoes in association with wetland construction and rehabilitation projects may be a concern. While the ecological importance of these estuarine mosquitoes has not been fully demonstrated, any mosquito management program must consider the indirect impacts of mosquito population suppression, particularly on insectivorous vertebrates that may utilise mosquitoes as a food supply. Mosquitoes are a natural part of estuarine wetlands and living with the risks associated with mosquito-borne disease requires balance between reducing the nuisance-biting and public health risks while minimising any adverse environmental or ecological impact of mosquito management activities.
    [Show full text]
  • MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT Zz Zz
    What Type of Mosquito z Avoid Being Bitten z y GENERAL REPELLENT GUIDELINES y z Avoid Being Bitten z y WHAT ABOUT MY PETS? y zzMOSQUITO zz y is Annoying You? y Prevention of mosquito bites is your first line of Insect repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET) or There are a number of other things you can do In addition to transmitting diseases to people, There are almost 100 different species of mosquito defence against mosquito-borne disease. picaridin are the most effective. As a general rule, the to help avoid being affected by mosquitoes: mosquitoes are also responsible for the transmission MANAGEMENT y in WA. The four main disease carrying mosquitoes found greater the percentage of DEET or picaridin, the longer Recognise and avoid areas of mosquito activity of heartworm in pets. Heartworm can affect dogs and in the Cockburn and Kwinana region are described the product will remain effective. e.g. swamps, salt marshes, billabongs and river cats, although infection is more common in dogs. below. Can you identify the mosquito biting you? z COVER Up. REPEL. CLEAN UP. z floodplains particularly around sunrise Symptoms include coughing, fatique, weightloss, y Always follow instructions on the label. IN COCKBURN AND KWINANA and sunset. listlessness and a rough hair coat. In severe cases, y Choose a repellent with an appropriate y heartworm can be fatal. Southern Saltmarsh Mosquito: Aedes camptorhynchus Many mosquitoes are at their biting best around dusk Plan outdoor activities. If you are hosting an This species is prevalent in the Cockburn concentration of DEET or picaridin to match the outdoor BBQ have repellent available for your The risk of heartworm infection can be lowered by and dawn, but some will bite day and night.
    [Show full text]
  • (Ochlerotatus) Camptorhynchus in Napier
    An integrated response to the In December 1998, the southern saltmarsh mosquito, establishment of the exotic Aedes camptorhynchus, was identified for the first time in New Zealand and an established population mosquito Aedes (Ochlerotatus) confirmed at Napier. Nationwide surveillance has camptorhynchus in Napier detected larvae at other sites on the east coast of the North Island and in Northland. Eradication has been The southern saltmarsh mosquito, Aedes (Ochlerotatus) successful at Napier, and has commenced camptorhynchus, is an aggressive biting mosquito and therefore a at the other east coast sites. A treatment significant public nuisance. In Australia it is a vector of three programme has commenced in pathogenic alphaviruses: Ross River virus(1), Barmah Forest virus(2) and Sindbis (Okelbo) virus. It has also been found carrying the Northland to contain, but not eradicate, flaviviruses Kokobera virus(3) and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. the mosquito. Ross River virus causes a significant, non-fatal but potentially Graham Mackereth, Co-author chronic and relapsing disease in humans(4), and its vertebrate host range also includes marsupials(5), dogs, horses, cattle, pigs and Eradication fruit bats(6). S-methoprene, which prevents the emergence of adult mosquitoes In 1999, after its detection at Napier, a serological survey of from the pupae, was the principal method used to eradicate the 353 animals, including horses, cattle and possums living near the mosquitoes at Napier. S-methoprene granules were applied by air at mosquito infested area, found no antibody to alphavirus or 6 kg per hectare, and pellets were used in deeper drains. Because flavivirus(7). The Ministry of Health surveyed 53 mosquito-bitten eggs can survive for long periods, a chemical with prolonged people from the Hawke’s Bay region for antibody to Ross River activity was required.
    [Show full text]