On the Issue of Control of Blood-Sucking Diptera during Preparation and Holding of a Mass Event in Volgograd

Abstract

Background: Abundance and diversity of blood-sucking Diptera, including mosquitoes and midges, is an epidemiologic and health problem in the Volgograd Region. Objective: To examine the combination of pest control, organizational, and entomological measures aimed at reducing the number of blood-sucking Diptera when preparing and holding the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the city of Volgograd in order to ensure sanitary and epidemiological wellbeing of the participants and guests of this international gathering and to evaluate their effectiveness. Materials and methods: We analyzed operational and historical materials of entomological observations of mosquitoes and midges, phenological monitoring of preimaginal stages of blood-sucking black flies (Family Simuliidae) in water bodies and adjacent areas during preparations to the 2018 FIFA World Cup matches in Volgograd. Entomological observations included population counts and collection of blood-sucking arthropods using standard methods. An airplane was used for larvicidal treatment of large areas of wetlands of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain. We analyzed the effectiveness of disinsection aimed at exterminating preimaginal and winged stages of blood-sucking mosquitoes and midges. Results: According to entomological observations, on the first day of the mass flight of blood-sucking midges, the number of attacks on sports facilities ranged from 10 to 20 and then decreased to 3–5 on the following days causing no disturbance. On the opposite, the number of attacks of midges approached 50 in the areas where appropriate insect control measures were not taken. Conclusion: We managed to achieve a significant decline in insect populations, thus ensuring sanitary and epidemiological wellbeing during international football matches in Volgograd.