A call to arms: Setting the framework for a code of practice for mosquito management in European wetlands

Angeliki F Martinou,Ioanna Angelidou,Rubén Bueno Mari,Denis J Wright,Rémi Foussadier,Helen E Roy,James Fawcett,Bethan V Purse,Stephanie M Schäfer,Christos F Martinos,Jodey M Peyton,Martina Schäfer,Francis Schaffner,Martina Ferraguti,Trisevgeni V Gkotsi,Kamil Erguler

doi:10.1111/1365-2664.13631

Abstract

Abstract Wetlands provide multiple services to human societies. Despite policies dedicated to their protection, current European policies do not address the need to balance mosquito management approaches to mitigate dis‐services to human health and well‐being while ensuring that wetland conservation goals are met. Herein, we outline criteria for consideration when developing mosquito control programmes in European wetlands that will allow managers and public health authorities to adopt effective and ecologically sound approaches. Synthesis and applications. The proposed code of practice provides practical advice to local authorities and those involved in mosquito control in order to design an integrated mosquito management strategy that aligns with current environmental legislation. Although this code of practice was developed by European experts, it is transferable to other geographical contexts, integrating the expertise and knowledge of local stakeholders and researchers from the fields of medical entomology, human and animal health and ecology.

Highlights

Introduction of invasive mosquitoesPopulation monitoring ✓Population suppressionReduce contact rates with people EliminationMosquito inventoryPassive surveillanceActive surveillanceMapping of breeding sitesData recording and managementDesignation of buffer zones
The proposed code of practice provides practical advice to local authorities and those involved in mosquito control in order to design an integrated mosquito management strategy that aligns with current environmental legislation
Topics that were discussed were: the area-wide approaches where the responsibility for mosquito control programmes is shared among different stakeholders; the need for training of pest control personnel in mosquito surveillance and management techniques as well as wetland ecology; the need for expertise in mosquito identification and monitoring, education and raising awareness regarding native and non-native mosquitoes at the local level; funding availability and allocation to wetland managers or local environmental health agencies for surveillance; designation of buffer zones free of urban development, chemical and habitat interventions; availability of environmentally sustainable control methods and the critical research gaps for understanding the effectiveness and environmental impacts of mosquito management

Summary

| MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen international experts in vector management, medical entomology, parasitology and ecology met in Cyprus on 18 and 19 of April 2018 during a 2-day workshop on the management of native and non-native insect vectors of pathogens that affect human and animal health. Create site-specific mosquito inventories The inventory should include the following information for each species at each of the problematic sites: Preferred breeding sites, vector-borne disease risk or nuisance, exophilic or endophilic activity, flight range and adult foraging patterns This is a crucial step for an effective mosquito management plan and expertise in medical entomology is essential.

Introduction of invasive mosquitoes

Findings

| DISCUSSION