Author
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Barnard, Donald |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2010 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: N/A. Technical Abstract: Globalization, open trading practices, and climate change increase the likelihood of introduction of exotic mosquito species. These mosquitoes may harbor disease agents that threaten public and animal health. Successful containment and eradication of exotic mosquito species and (in the case of exotic and indigenous species) the preemption of mosquito-borne disease epidemics is based on three factors: (1) timely and accurate determination of vector (and pathogen) presence, (2) accurate depiction of adult mosquito activity in time and space, and (3) efficient and effective targeting of mosquito controls. In conventional vector surveillance systems, these factors are quantified using mechanical traps placed in the environment to capture adult mosquitoes and/or to sample adult mosquito populations. Similarly, risk assessment models for disease transmission and the depiction of mosquito distribution by spatial analysis and mapping systems software rely on data provided by mechanical traps, including the inputs required to estimate mosquito density; biting activity on humans; and age-structure, survivorship, and pathogen infection rate(s) in the mosquito population. The interpretation of mosquito capture data for disease risk modeling purposes and the spatial depiction of these data by automated mapping systems is based on the assumption of 100% data accuracy. Our research, however, indicates that mechanical trap-based surveillance systems frequently fail to detect the presence of some mosquito species and that they misrepresent the absolute and/or relative abundance of others. Scientists in the USA seek to develop global-information-technology (GIS, remote sensing)-based methods for the quick and efficient deployment of mechanical mosquito traps in a vector surveillance system and for the effective targeting, application, and efficacy assessment of vector controls. To achieve this goal we are attempting to develop sampling systems and methodologies that: (1) are ever-sensitive to adult mosquito presence, (2) accurately measure adult mosquito density, and (3) provide data that are translatable to the mosquito biting rate on human and/or animal hosts. |
