Diversity and ecology survey of mosquitoes potential vectors in Belgian equestrian farms: A threat prevention of mosquito-borne equine arboviruses.

The research examines the diversity and ecology of mosquito species in Belgian equestrian farms in a bid to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne equine arboviruses like the West Nile Virus. With surveys across six farms, the researchers collected and analyzed 51,493 larvae and 319 adult mosquitoes, identifying 11 species, and rising concerns over the conducive environment for arboviruses vectors’ proliferation within the studied farms.

Study Objective

• The research was focused on exploring and understanding the diversity and ecology of mosquito species in Belgian equestrian farms. This is essential for the prevention of potential spread and outbreaks of mosquito-borne equine arboviruses, like the West Nile Virus and equine alphavirus, noting their impact on horse health and their recent emergence in Europe.

Methodology

• The researchers conducted detailed surveys of six equestrian farms located in the Wolloon Region of Belgium. This spanned a period of two years, between 2011 and 2012.
• The collection of both mosquito larvae and adults was done. The larvae collection was based on a total of 272 samples from 111 breeding sites, while the adult mosquitoes were trapped monthly using CO2-baited traps.
• A total of 51,493 larvae and 319 adult mosquitoes were collected for the study.

Results and Findings

• Through morphological identification, the researchers were able to identify 11 species of mosquitoes from collected samples, which included Anopheles claviger, An. maculipennis s.l., An. plumbeus, Culex hortensis, Cx. territans, Cx. pipiens s.l. L., Cx. torrentium, etc.
• Further molecular identification of the Cx. pipiens species complex led to the detection of three molecular forms, namely Pipiens (92.3%), Molestus (4.6%), and Hybrid (3.1%).
• The larvae of Cx. pipiens sl and Cx. torrentium were identified as the most abundant species and appeared to be omnipresent.
• Most favorable breeding sites of mosquito larvae were found to be water troughs, ponds, and slurry (liquid manure).

Implications of the Study

• Given the behavior and ecology of the identified mosquito species, the studied Belgian equestrian farms seem to provide a suitable environment and breeding sites for proliferation of potential vectors of arboviruses.
• Arboviruses present a real nuisance problem not just for horses, but also for neighboring inhabitants, thus making the findings of this study vital for effective disease prevention and control.