Abstract
To enable a better understanding of the overwhelming alterations in the invasive mosquito species (IMS), methodical insight into the population and environmental factors that govern the IMS and pathogen adaptations are essential. There are numerous ways of estimating mosquito populations, and usually these describe developmental and life-history parameters. The key population parameters that should be considered during the surveillance of invasive mosquito species are: (1) population size and dynamics during the season, (2) longevity, (3) biting behaviour, and (4) dispersal capacity. Knowledge of these parameters coupled with vector competence may help to determine the vectorial capacity of IMS and basic disease reproduction number (R0) to support mosquito borne disease (MBD) risk assessment. Similarly, environmental factors include availability and type of larval breeding containers, climate change, environmental change, human population density, increased human travel and goods transport, changes in living, agricultural and farming habits (e.g. land use), and reduction of resources in the life cycle of mosquitoes by interventions (e.g. source reduction of aquatic habitats). Human population distributions, urbanisation, and human population movement are the key behavioural factors in most IMS-transmitted diseases. Anthropogenic issues are related to the global spread of MBD such as the introduction, reintroduction, circulation of IMS and increased exposure to humans from infected mosquito bites. This review addresses the population and environmental factors underlying the growing changes in IMS populations in Europe and confers the parameters selected by criteria of their applicability. In addition, overview of the commonly used and newly developed tools for their monitoring is provided.
Highlights
Invasive mosquito species (IMS) are defined by their ability to colonize new territories
Assessing and managing the risk of introduced mosquito borne disease (MBD) that have become established in Europe is a necessity and should become a priority, in particular in countries where vectors are established
The recent notification of autochthonous chikungunya and dengue fevers cases in Europe shows its vulnerability to these diseases in areas where the vector, the invasive mosquito Ae. albopictus or Ae. aegypti is present
Summary
Invasive mosquito species (IMS) are defined by their ability to colonize new territories. Environmental parameters In addition to species specific population factors of particular mosquito species, environmental factors play an important role in determining the IMS’ colonisation process, its population size, its vectorial capacity, and the MBD transmission risk Such factors include (1) availability and type of larval breeding containers, (2) climate change, (3) environmental change, (4) human population density, (5) increased human travel and goods transport, (6) changes in living, agricultural and farming habits (e.g. land use) and (7) reduction of resources in the life cycle of mosquitoes by interventions (e.g. source reduction of aquatic habitats). In the case of IMS establishment over a wide area, the crucial environmental parameters to be considered are the density, typology, productivity and distribution of breeding sites These parameters provide key information needed to calculate population abundance, estimate the spread of IMS, and assess the risk of MBD transmission. Dispersal of IMS in an urban environment is not random, and it may be possible to maximise vector control by taking into account ecological factors (e.g. flight corridors) that affect the direction of the flight of female mosquitoes [44]
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