Distribution Of Flies Research Articles

Study on Bovine Trypanosomosis and Associated Risk Factors in Chora District of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Bovine Trypanosomosis is one of the most parsimoniously challenging diseases in influencing mammals like cattle and it is a grave haemoprotozoan disease triggered by different species of unicellular eukaryotic parasite of the genus trypanosome. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, and the influence of associated risk factors on cattle reared in Chora district of Buno Bedele Zone. A Blood sample was collected from a total of 401 cattle of age ranges from 1 to 6 years. The presence of parasites from sampled blood was examined using a method of Buffy Coat Technique and a technique of Giemsa-stained thin blood films was used to identify the existing trypanosome species in the study area. The Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of collected blood samples was determined using haematocrit. A total of 50 traps were deployed to study the entomological survey. In general, 2.99 % of the studied cattle were infected with Trypanosomosis and the T.Vivax (58.33%) was the dominant species of trypanosomosis and followed by T. congulense (41.67%) in the study area. Statistically significant differences (P<0.05) were observed due to associated risk factors viz. Body Condition and age of cattle, whereas sampling sites and sex did not significantly affect the prevalence of Bovine Trypanosomosis. The mean PCV value of Parasitaemic and Aparasitaemic animals were 21.37 ± 0.19 and 27.89 ± 0.16, respectively and they were statistically different at (P< 0.05). Overall of 0.80 flies per trap per day was recorded from the study area and among the caught flies of Glossina species, 10%, 54% and 36% of them were, G.tachinoides, G.pallidipes and G.fuscipes, respectively. Therefore, the veterinarian’s has to continue providing the appropriate medication/treatment for the infected animals per appropriate recommendation and Bedele NTTICC has to take more focus to control the density and distribution of tsetse flies as well as biting flies for the transmission of high incidence of T. Vivax through mechanical ways of transmission of the disease.

Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in eight Balkan countries: historical review and region-wide entomological survey

BackgroundSand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are medically important vectors of human and veterinary disease-causing agents. Among these, the genus Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), and phleboviruses are of utmost importance. Despite such significance, updated information about sand fly fauna is missing for Balkan countries where both sand flies and autochtonous leishmaniases are historically present and recently re-emerging. Therefore, a review of historical data on sand fly species composition and distribution in the region was followed by a large-scale entomological survey in eight Balkan countries to provide a recent update on local sand fly fauna.MethodsThe literature search involved the period 1910–2019. The entomological survey was conducted at 1189 sampling stations in eight countries (Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia), covering 49 settlements and 358 sampling sites between June and October in the years 2014 and 2016, accumulating 130 sampling days. We performed a total of 1189 trapping nights at these stations using two types of traps (light and CO2 attraction traps) in each location. Sampling was performed with a minimal duration of 6 (Montenegro) and a maximal of 47 days (Serbia) between 0–1000 m.a.s.l. Collected sand flies were morphologically identified.ResultsIn total, 8490 sand fly specimens were collected. Morphological identification showed presence of 14 species belonging to genera Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia. Historical data were critically reviewed and updated with our recent findings. Six species were identified in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2 new records), 5 in Montenegro (2 new records), 5 in Croatia (2 new records), 9 in Bulgaria (5 new records), 11 in North Macedonia (1 new record), 10 in Serbia (no new records), 9 in Kosovo (3 new records) and 4 in Slovenia (no new records).ConclusionsThis study presents results of the first integrated sand fly fauna survey of such scale for the Balkan region, providing first data on sand fly populations for four countries in the study area and presenting new species records for six countries and updated species lists for all surveyed countries. Our findings demonstrate presence of proven and suspected vectors of several Leishmania species.Graphical

Seasonal dynamics of phlebotomine sand flies and autochthonous transmission of Leishmania infantum in high-altitude ecosystems in southern Spain

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease transmitted by sand flies. A dozen species have been involved in the transmission of Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean region. Climate change may alter sand fly distribution at particular altitudes and latitudes. The objective of this study was to interrogate the existence of stable populations of sand flies in high-altitude ecosystems and evaluate if these populations are enough to support autochthonous transmission of leishmaniasis. These altitudinal conditions can be found in Sierra Nevada (southern Spain). Therefore, we have determined the sand fly population dynamics in different biotopes located at elevations above 1,300 m a.s.l. and searched for evidence of leishmaniasis transmission. Five collecting sites above 1,300 m a.s.l. containing large livestock concentrations were selected. Sand flies were caught using CDC light traps from May to November, annually from 2008 to 2013, and these were morphologically identified. Association between sand fly density or presence and temperature/humidity was estimated by linear and logistic regression, respectively. Leishmania infantum detection in female sand flies was performed by PCR. Diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) was carried out by indirect immunofluorescence and PCR. A total of 2,973 specimens of 5 sand fly species were collected from June to October. Phlebotomus perniciosus was the most frequent (100%), abundant (80.1%) and densest species (9.8 sand flies/trap). The minimum temperature on the day of capture was the most important variable factor for sand fly presence and P. perniciosus density. An increase in altitude showed a negative effect over the sand fly diversity and activity period, driving changes in seasonal dynamics similar to those reported by latitudinal changes. CanL prevalence was 23%, a similar rate to previous surveys carried out on randomly selected dogs from towns in southern Spain. A successful host-vector-pathogen network was found at this altitude characterised by 9.9% L. infantum infection rate in non-blood fed P. perniciosus and Phlebotomus ariasi females and high CanL prevalence that entails an increase in the leishmaniasis risk area driven by sand fly colonization.

Assemblages of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) along an elevational gradient in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea

Abstract Papua New Guinea (PNG) has the greatest diversity of dacine fruit fly species (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae) in the world, many of which are significant agricultural pests. Although their taxonomy is relatively well known, there is limited research on their geographical and elevational distribution. We undertook a survey of PNG's fruit fly fauna along a complete elevational gradient on Mt Wilhelm (175–3700 m a.s.l.) to determine the elevational species distribution and turnover of fruit fly communities. Fruit flies were sampled using a selection of male parapheromone lures, including Zingerone, a new and promising male attractant. In total, we collected 10 700 fruit flies representing 77 species. The total abundance and species richness of fruit flies decreased with increasing elevation. Species richness was similarly high at 175 and 200 m a.s.l. (30 and 27 species) and at 700 and 1200 m a.s.l. (16 and 20 species, respectively) but dropped suddenly to only two species at 1700 m a.s.l. and to zero at all four sites above this elevation. There were no flies attracted exclusively to Zingerone. One species (Bactrocera recurrens) exhibited dramatic, temporal changes in abundance during the study period. Fruit fly assemblages were significantly influenced by both the lure type and elevation. Similarity of fruit fly communities decayed linearly with increasing elevational distance. We concluded that the upper limit of fruit fly distribution in PNG occurs between 1700 and 2200 m a.s.l. and the centre of diversity occurs between 0 and 700 m a.s.l.

Behavioral Responses of Tabanidae and Stomoxys calcitrans to Unbaited and Baited Nzi and Horse Pal Traps in Southern Sweden

The distribution and species diversity of tabanids and stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans Linnaeus, 1758, in the research area, Hästhult (wood pasture) in Sweden, as well as the behavioral responses of biting flies to visual and olfactory cues were highlighted by this study. Beyond the control of tabanids and stable flies through the Nzi and Horse Pal traps that act as a surrogate host, this study sought to demonstrate the attractiveness of biting flies to these traps by comparing the results of the two periods in which the traps were unbaited and baited. The odor attractants, such as urine (a mixture of more than phenol) and acetone used to increase trap yields, made the difference to the Horse Pal and Nzi traps for S. calcitrans (L) because the number of flies caught was significantly higher. Through this study, Nzi trap with bait and Horse Pal trap with and without bait were tested for the first time as regards the tabanids and S. calcitrans (L) in Scandinavia. Surprisingly, the number of tabanids caught in the Nzi trap was equal in both situations with or without bait. The result underlined the idea that the Nzi trap manages to catch a large number of tabanids even in the absence of attractants. It turns out that the Horse Pal trap was just as effective with and without bait in capturing tabanids. Furthermore, the number of tabanids caught in both traps depended on the type of weather, and the number of stable flies depended on the weather and also the type of trap. The results of this study showed that both the visual and olfactory aspects of the Nzi and Horse Pal traps are always essential, being used successfully in the control of biting flies and optimized for various research purposes.

Study on Bovine Trypanosomosis and Tsetse Identification in South Ari Woreda of Southern Nation, Nationalities and People Regional State (SNNPRS)

The study was conducted from December 2009 to March 2010 in South Ari Woreda of SNNP Regional State to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and to assess the apparent densities and distributions of tsetse flies. Blood samples were taken from a total of 384 indigenous cattle managed under small holder mixed crop livestock production. Blood Buffy coat dark ground phase contrast Microscopic technique was used for detection of the trypanosome parasites in the blood samples, NGU traps were used for tsetse fly survey and Packed cell volume (PCV) to determine the degree of anemia caused by trypanosomosis. The overall prevalence of 13.54% bovine trypanosomosis was recorded in the study area . The predominant species of trypanosome encountered during the study period were T. congolonce with relative prevalence of (63.5%) followed by T. vivax (36.5%) but there was no mixed infection observed. PCV evaluation showed that the mean PCV of parasitemic animals (25.5%) was significantly lower than that of (30.5%) aparasitemic animals indicating the importance of bovine trypanosomosis in causing anemia. Assessment of tsetse flies indicated that Glossina pallidipes is the major biological vector for bovine trypanosomosis in the study area with apparent density of 27.5 fly/trap/day. Other biting flies (tabanids and stmoxys) were also collected indicating the possibility of mechanical transmission. Keywords : Bovine, Trypanosomosis, Prevalence, Tsetse fly, apparent density, South Ari/S DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-20-04 Publication date: October 31 st 2020

A new automated chilled adult release system for the aerial distribution of sterile male tsetse flies.

Tsetse eradication continues to be a top priority for African governments including that of Senegal, which embarked on a project to eliminate Glossina palpalis gambiensis from the Niayes area, following an area-wide integrated pest management approach with an SIT component. A successful SIT programme requires competitive sterile males of high biological quality. This may be hampered by handling processes including irradiation and the release mechanisms, necessitating continued improvement of these processes, to maintain the quality of flies. A new prototype of an automated chilled adult release system (Bruno Spreader Innovation, (BSI™)) for tsetse flies was tested for its accuracy (in counting) and release rate consistency. Also, its impact on the quality of the released sterile males was evaluated on performance indicators, including flight propensity, mating competitiveness, premating and mating duration, insemination rate of mated females and survival of male flies. The BSITM release system accurately counted and homogenously released flies at the lowest motor speed set (0.6 rpm), at a consistent rate of 60±9.58 males/min. Also, the release process, chilling (6 ± 1°C) and passing of flies through the machine) had no significant negative impact on the male flight propensity, mating competitiveness, premating and mating durations and the insemination rates. Only the survival of flies was negatively affected whether under feeding or starvation. The positive results of this study show that the BSI™ release system is promising for use in future tsetse SIT programmes. However, the negative impact of the release process on survival of flies needs to be addressed in future studies and results of this study confirmed under operational field conditions in West Africa.

High-resolution habitat suitability model for Phlebotomus pedifer, the vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in southwestern Ethiopia

BackgroundPhlebotomus pedifer is the vector for Leishmania aethiopica causing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in southwestern Ethiopia. Previous research on the transmission dynamics of CL resulted in recommendations for vector control. In order to target these interventions towards affected areas, a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution of P. pedifer at high spatial resolution is required. Therefore, this study determined the environmental predictors that facilitate the distribution of P. pedifer and created a map indicating the areas where conditions are suitable for survival of the vector in southwestern Ethiopia with high spatial resolution.MethodsPhlebotomus pedifer presence points were collected during two entomological surveys. Climate, vegetation and topographic variables were assembled. Climate variables were interpolated with variables derived from high-resolution digital elevation models to generate topoclimatic layers representing the climate conditions in the highlands. A Maximum Entropy model was run with the presence points, predicting variables and background points, which were selected based on a bias file.ResultsPhlebotomus pedifer was the only captured Phlebotomus species in the study area and was collected at altitudes ranging between 1685 and 2892 m. Model projections indicated areas with suitable conditions in a ‘belt’ surrounding the high mountain peaks. Model performance was high, with train and test AUC values being 0.93 and 0.90, respectively. A multivariate environmental similarity surface (MESS) analysis showed that the model projection was only slightly extrapolated for some of the variables. The mean annual temperature was the environmental variable, which contributed most to the model predictions (60.0%) followed by the seasonality in rainfall (13.2%). Variables representing steep slopes showed very low importance to model predictions.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the suitable habitats for P. pedifer correspond well with the altitudes at which CL was reported previously, but the predictions are more widely distributed, in contrast with the description of CL to occur in particular foci. Moreover, we confirm that vector distribution is driven by climate factors, suggesting inclusion of topoclimate in sand fly distribution models. Overall, our model provides a map with a high spatial resolution that can be used to target sand fly control measures in southwestern Ethiopia.

The Distribution and Analysis of Spatial Autocorrelation of Fruit Fly (Bactrocera sp.) on Red Chili Cultivation in Cirebon, West Java, Indonesia

The information of fruit fly spatial distribution and its correlation with the environment is a key to their population control including sampling and an effective analysis procedure as a basis for population estimation. This study aims to analyze spatial dispersion and autocorrelation of fruit fly on red chili cultivation in Cirebon. The distribution of fruit fly from attractant ME trap and cue lure analyzed by using various dispersion index and regression models namely: ratio (s2/x), Elliot value, Llyod index, Green coefficient, Morisita dispersion index, k dispersion parameter, Iwao regression analysis, and Taylor regression analysis. The analysis result of various dispersion index and regression models such as ratio value (s2/x) > 1, value >1, value x*>1,coefficient GI> 0-1, and value (1/k) > 0 shows that fruit fly population at both locations have clumped dispersion pattern. This is supported by the result of Taylor and Iwao regression analysis with slope value > 1 showing clumped dispersion pattern. Further analysis for each fruit fly species use Morisita dispersion index revealing clumped dispersion pattern for B.papayae and B.cucurbitae; B.carambolae has homogenous dispersion pattern that tends to clump; B.tau and B.albistrigata has homogenous dispersion pattern. Spatial autocorrelation analysis based on Moran index value interpretation is I > -0,05 with p-value < 0,05 showing positive spatial autocorrelation between the traps that are located close together (0-10 m) and even far apart (70-75 m and 80-85 m).

Release-Recapture Test of Dispersal and Survival of Sterile Males of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The sterile insect technique is used around the world to suppress or eradicate populations of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) with successful results. It consists of inundative releases of sterile insects into a wide area to reduce reproduction in a field population of the same species. It is necessary to know the dispersion of the sterile males in the field in order to define the maximum distance between the release points that ensures the distribution of the sterile flies in the entire target area. The release methods may vary depending on the area to be covered and the resources available. Manual ground release requires less technology. The aim of this research was to estimate the ability of sterile males to survive and disperse in the field, in the two main areas of citrus production in Uruguay. A release of 20,000 sterile males of C. capitata TslV8 (-inv D53) was performed at the central point of each area defined for the trials. Around these points, a network of 54 Jackson traps baited with trimedlure was installed forming five concentric rings, which were placed on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after the release and were removed at 24h in all cases. The emergence rate, flight ability, dispersion, and longevity were estimated. The standard distances obtained by the regression models were 127m and 131m for Salto and San José respectively. In Salto, the traps had catches until the eighth day, and in San José, there were no catches after the sixth day.

Morphological, Molecular Identification and Distribution of Trypanosome-Transmitting Dipterans from Cattle Settlements in Southwest Nigeria.

Glossina spp. (Glossinidae), Tabanus spp. (Tabanidae), Ancala spp. (Tabanidae), Atylotus spp. (Tabanidae) and Stomoxys spp. (Muscidae) are important transmitting vectors of African animal trypanosomosis in sub-Saharan Africa. There is paucity of information on the distribution and identification of these flies in cattle settlements in southwest Nigeria. The distribution patterns, genetic variations and diversities of dipteran flies in southwest Nigeria were described and identified using morphological and molecular analysis of the 28S rDNA gene. Of the 13,895 flies examined morphologically between April 2016 and March 2017, tabanids were identified [Tabanus (0.34%), Ancala (0.03%), Atylotus (0.01%), Haematopota (0.014%) and Chrysops (0.11%)]. Two stomoxyine species were identified; Stomoxys niger niger Macquart (45.30%) and Stomoxys calcitrans Linnaeus (17.29%) and two Glossina spp. namely; Glossina p. gambiense Vanderplank, 1911 (0.46%) and Glossina tachinoides Westwood (0.51%) were identified. The identities were further confirmed in a BLAST search using their nucleotide sequences. The median-joining network of the 28S rDNA gene sequences indicated that fly species examined were genetically distinct. The apparent density of all the trapped flies was highest at a mean temperature of 26-28℃, humidity > 80% and rainfall of 150-220mm/month. The distribution of flies was observed to increase as vegetation increased in density and decreased in areas with relatively high human population density (> 100/km2). The population indices of the 28S rDNA gene of the flies suggest that analysis of nuclear DNA fragments may provide more information on the molecular ecology of these flies. Characterising fly species and assessing their impact are essential in distribution and monitoring AAT spread.

Negative density-dependent dispersal in tsetse (Glossina spp): red flag or red herring?

A deterministic model of the distribution of tsetse flies (Glossina spp) was used to assess the extent to which the efficacy of control operations would be affected by three different modes of density dependence in per capita adult dispersal: (i) density-independent dispersal which has been commonly adopted in previous models, (ii) positive density-dependent dispersal which has occasionally been discussed in the tsetse literature, (iii) negative density-dependent dispersal (NDDD). The last has recently been suggested, from genetic studies, to change the dispersal rate of tsetse by up to 200-fold, thereby posing a severe risk for the success of tsetse control operations. Modelling outputs showed that NDDD poses no such risk, provided the mean daily dispersal of tsetse is below about 1 km, which is greater than any rate actually recorded in the field or indicated by the genetic studies. NDDD can be problematic only if tsetse disperse at rates that appear highly unlikely, or even impossible, on energetic grounds. Under some circumstances these high rates would help rather than hinder the control officer. NDDD is not necessary to explain the results of control operations, and not sufficient to explain the results of successful control programmes.

Bovine Trypanosomosis and Its Vectors in Three Selected Districts of Buno Bedele Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Trypanosomosis is one of the most economically challenging diseases affecting mammals, and it is a serious haemoprotozoan disease caused by different species of unicellular eukaryotic parasite of the genus trypanosome. The study was conducted to access the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, its associated risk factors, and vector density on cattle reared in three selected districts, namely, Chewaka, Dabo Hana, and Meko districts. Blood was collected from a total of 1046 cattle of age groups extending from 1 to 6 years. The buffy coat technique was used to check the presence of parasites from sampled blood, and the trypanosome species were identified using Giemsa-stained thin blood films. The packed cell volume of sampled blood was determined using the haematocrit. A total of 160 traps were deployed to study the entomological survey. Generally, 3.44% of the studied animal was infected with trypanosomosis, and T. vivax was the dominant species of trypanosomosis in the study areas. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed due to associated factor viz. body condition and anaemic status of the animal; however, insignificant differences were also recorded between different districts, age group, and sex. The mean PCV value of parasitaemic and aparasitaemic animals was 22.22 ± 0.92 and 26.18 ± 0.16, respectively, and significant difference was P < 0.05. An overall of 1.82 flies per trap per day was recorded from the study areas, and among the total caught vectors, 81.4% of it was G. tachinoides and the rest was G. morsitans. Therefore, the veterinarians have to continue providing the appropriate medication/treatment for the infected animals per appropriate recommendation, and Bedele NTTICC has to take more measures to control the density and distribution of tsetse flies in Dabo Hana district than the others due to high flies per trap per day observed in Dabo Hana district.

Relationship Between the Distribution and Biodiversity of Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) With the Incidence of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Endemic Foci of Golestan Province, Iran.

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is prevalent in Golestan Province, Iran. The current study determined the relationship between the distribution and biodiversity of sand flies with cutaneous leishmaniasis at 14 villages in plain and hillsides areas. In each village from July to September 2017, 60 sticky traps and 2 CDC light traps were laid. Spearman and Mann-Whitney tests were used to determine the relationship between the incidence of ZCL and the abundance of different species of sand flies. Simpson, Shannon-Wiener, Evenness, and Margalef indices were calculated to estimate the diversity of species. A total of 5,295 phlebotomine sand flies were collected, comprising 10 species of the genus Phlebotomus (3,947 flies) and 7 species of genus Sergentomyia (1,248 flies). The abundance of sand flies and incidence of ZCL in plain areas were greater than that of hillsides areas (P = 0.013, P = 0.002). There was a significant correlation between the incidence of ZCL and the abundance of Phlebotomus papatasi (r = 0.72, P = 0.004) and P. caucasicus groups (P = 0.006; 0.022). In the Shannon-Wiener index, the rest of the biodiversity indices were reduced in higher-altitude areas. Increasing Shannon-Wiener index showed higher diversity of sand flies in higher-altitude areas. Data of the reported cases of leishmaniasis in plain areas can reveal the relationship between less diversity index (Shannon-Wiener), higher dominant diversity index (Simpson), and incidence of leishmaniasis in these areas.

Поширення паразитичних двокрилих комах великої рогатої худоби

Goal. To study the North-Western region of Ukraine as to the distribution and flight periods of blood-sucking dipteran insects, zoophilic flies, and botflies to protect the cattle from their attacks. Methods. Field, parasitological, laboratory, and calculation. Results. 20 species of gadfly parasite on cattle (fam. Tabanidae), which belong to the genera: Hybomitra, Chrysops, Tabanus, Haematopota, Atylotus, and Heptatoma. The flight and attack on the animals occurs from May to September, and the greatest number in July and the first half of August. 35 species of mosquitoes (fam. Culicidae) are discovered. The most common of them belong to the genera: Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex. They traced 2 increase in their amount depending on the characteristics of the season: spring (May–June) and summer (July). There are fixed 33 species of midges (fam. Simuliidae) on the territory. The genera Schoenbaueria, Simulium, and Boophthora are the dominant ones. Seasonal dynamics of attacks is characterized by two periods of increased activity of the midges — spring (May) and summer (late July – early August). Fauna of malanders (fam. Ceratopogonidae) encounters 15 species. Massive attack on the animals is observed in May–June and in early August. 10 types of zoophilic flies (fam. Muscidae) are fixed. The most common — licking (M. domestica, M. autumnalis, M. larvipara), and blood-sucking (S. calcitrans, H. stimulans, H. atripalis). They attack from late April to October, the largest number — from the end of June to September. All identified gadflies (fam. Hypodermatidae) belong to the same species — Hipoderma bovis. They are active mostly in July–August. Conclusions. Species composition, number, and timing of flight of blood-sucking dipteran insects, zoophilic flies and gadflies in the climatic zones of North-West region vary. Maximum species diversity was in the area of Polissia: gadflies — 20, mosquitoes — 35, midges — 33, malanders — 15, zoophilic flies — 10, gadflies — 1. The total flight period lasts from late April to October, the maximum activity is fixed in the period from May to September. Measures for the protection of cattle against harmful dipteran insects in the area of Polissia and Forest-Steppe should be taken in May and September.

Entomological Investigations, Seasonal Fluctuations and Impact of Bioclimate Factors of Phlebotomines Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of an Emerging Focus of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Aichoun, Central Morocco.

Leishmaniasis diseases are endemic in Morocco. An entomological survey was conducted in Aichoun locality for 1 year from September 2013 to August 2014. The objective of this study was to investigate the sand fly fauna, mainly the species composition and the monthly species prevalence in accordance with bioclimate factors. Sand flies were collected twice a month, using sticky traps and CDC light traps. During a one-year study, 4472 specimens of sand fly were caught (72.56% male/22.44% female) that were composed of seven species divided into two genera: Phlebotomus (99.46%) and Sergentomyia (0.53%). Ph. sergenti was the most prevalent species (46.64%), followed by Ph. perniciosus (38.19%), Ph. longicuspis (9.32%), Ph. papatasi (5.23%), and Ph. ariasi (0.06%). The genus Sergentomyia was even less frequent. The population dynamics showed a bimodal trend with two peaks: the first one in October (12.03% of specimens) and the second in June (27.92% of specimens). The study of the effects of climatic factors in the study area showed a link between the dynamics of sand flies and the variation of these parameters (temperature and relative humidity). During the period between November and March, the sand flies were absent. The highest prevalence of sand flies was recorded in June when the temperature and relative humidity values reached, respectively, 25.8°C and 42%. The minimum number of specimens was collected in September with an average temperature of 23.19°C and relative humidity of 57.4%. Statistical analysis with principal component analysis has shown a strong positive correlation between temperature parameters and the seasonal distribution of sand flies. The climatic factor of relative humidity has been judged of being negatively correlated. The wind speed does not have any impact on the relative abundance of all species. Within this context, the results will be useful for the development of a monitoring program to better manage the operations and evaluate their effectiveness.

Canine leishmaniosis in the Italian northeastern Alps: A survey to assess serological prevalence in dogs and distribution of phlebotomine sand flies in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol, Italy.

The Autonomous Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol (APB), located in the northernmost territory of the Italian eastern Alps, is still considered non-endemic for canine leishmaniosis (CanL) despite clinical cases being observed and a competent Leishmania infantum vector (Phlebotomus perniciosus) having been recorded since 2008. A serological survey of leishmaniosis among a randomly-selected subpopulation of registered owned dogs was carried in 2018, followed by entomological investigations performed in 2019 and driven by canine survey results. A total of 457 resident dogs from all over the APB territory were examined through IFAT for antibodies against L.infantum, of which 63 (13.8%) tested positive. Thirty-five seropositive cases (7.7%) were considered autochthonous to APB, i.e. dogs born and lived in the province, or imported dogs with no travel history in the past 5years. Most of these animals showed an antibody titre at the threshold level of 1:40, suggesting a low degree of parasite transmission/contacts. In 2 autochthonous cases with moderately high IFAT titre, the infection was confirmed by nested-PCR in peripheral blood. Thirty-one georeferenced sites were monitored for sand flies by means of interception (sticky papers) and attraction (CDC miniature light traps) collection devices. Traps were set during summer approximately on monthly basis, and extended up to October for positive sites. Only 2 sites were found positive for a total of 317 phlebotomine specimens collected by sticky traps, which included a previously known P. perniciosus-endemic site near Bolzano town. Sergentomyia minuta was by far the most prevalent (98.1%) and the only recorded sand fly species in the most northerly Italian site ever investigated (Coldrano municipality in Venosta valley). For the first time, Leishmania serology and n-PCR positive dogs autochthonous to APB were identified, however the spread of sand flies competent for L. infantum transmission could not be demonstrated in several places where endemic seropositive cases were recorded. APB can be considered a territory of low CanL endemicity, however awareness and continuous monitoring are needed to detect changes in the epidemiological status of the zoonosis.

Lutzomyia evandroi in a New Area of Occurrence of Leishmaniasis.

Sand flies are vectors of medical and veterinary concern, responsible for the transmission of Leishmania parasites. These invertebrates are widely distributed throughout the world and their abundance and diversity is dependent on several biotic and physical factors. Based on the epidemiological importance of these insects, the aim of this study was to assess the sand fly fauna of a new area of occurrence of leishmaniasis. From October 2018 to September 2019, samplings were performed using CDC light traps at six different collection points located in a high altitude area in the municipality of Garanhuns, Northeastern Brazil. Geographic coordinates were recorded using the satellite remote sensing Global Positioning System (GPS) Garmin Etrex20. The spatial distribution of sand flies was evaluated using kernel density estimation (KDE). Engorged females (n = 12) were molecularly processed to search for Leishmania DNA. A total of 138 sand fly specimens were collected during the study period, with 100% (138/138) identified as Lutzomyia evandroi. Climatic conditions did not influence the number of sand flies (males and females) collected monthly, but a statistically significant difference was observed between the number of specimens and different collections points. The kernel map showed a heterogeneous spatial distribution of sand flies in the municipality of Garanhuns with a hotspot in the south of the region. Data presented herein are pivotal in filling the gap on the epidemiology of leishmaniasis in this high altitude area, serving as an alert to local health authorities. It also indicated that the putative role of L. evandroi in the transmission of Leishmania parasites should be clarified.

Analysis Flies Density at Final Waste Disposal Jember Distric Area, Indonesia (Studi at Pakusari landfill and Ambulu landfill)

Introduction: Flies can transmitted disease. The final waste disposals were the breeding place of flies, especially when the final waste disposals weren`t implementation in good management. The objectives of the research were to analyze the differences between flies density in the Pakusari landfill and Ambulu landfill, Jember District, Indonesia. Method: the method was analytic with a cross-sectional design. The data were collected with observation, interview and measure the flies density. The population was all of the area kavling in the Pakusari and Ambulu landfill. The samples were total population. There were 4 active kavling in the landfill, and interview 68 head of the family which stays around the landfill how the flies disrupt their daily activity. The measurements of flies density were using fly grill, stopwatch, form the flies density. The type of flies was identification. Result and Discussion: Waste disposal management at Pakusari landfill was a controlled landfill, and Ambulu was open dumping. Both of flies density of the landfill were categorized very high. The measurement of flies density was in September 2019, whereas the Pakusari landfill using open dumping because of the equipment was broken. The highest flies density on Pakusari at kavling 2 dan 3,4 were 44,4 per 30 seconds (point 1) and 42,4 per 30 seconds (point 1). At kavling 2, 3 Ambulu landfills were 34 per 30 seconds (point 6) and 31,4 per second (point 1) There were sig difference flies density between Pakusari and Ambulu landfill (p=0,000). The most of flies were Musca Domestica(81%). The most distribution of flies were disturbed by the view, causing diarrhea, typus. Conclussion: Waste disposal landfill management should be improving with sanitary landill to control the flies density and decrease the vector-borne disease.

Phlebotomine sand flies in Southwest Germany: an update with records in new locations

BackgroundVector-borne diseases (VBD) are of growing global importance. Sand flies are potential vectors for phleboviruses (family Phenuiviridae) including Toscana virus (TOSV), Sicilian virus, Sandfly fever, Naples virus, and Leishmania parasites in Europe. To date, only two phlebotomine species have been recorded for Germany: Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus mascittii. This study updates the distribution and abundance of the two occurring species.MethodsAn entomological field study was carried out during 2015–2018 to assess the abundance of sand flies in Southwest Germany within the federal states Baden-Wuerttemberg (BW) and Rhineland-Palatinate (RLP). A total of 176 collection sites were examined using CDC light traps.ResultsA total of 149 individuals of P. mascittii were collected. During 2015–2018, P. mascittii was found at all sites known positive from previous studies and was detected at 15 additional sites previously unknown for the presence of sand flies. Although the environment has changed considerably in 30 years, no significant difference in sand fly dynamics and distribution was found. Phlebotomus perniciosus has only been trapped once since 2001.ConclusionsThis study showed that sand flies occur in different areas in Southern Germany where they had not been recorded previously. Therefore, it can be assumed that they are more widespread than expected. In addition, sand flies could be found over several years at the same trapping sites, indicating population stability. This supports the need for continued surveillance of possible vector populations and urgent clarification of the vector competence of P. mascittii.