Horse-, bird-, and human-seeking behavior and seasonal abundance of mosquitoes in a West Nile virus focus of southern France.
Abstract: After 35 yr of disease absence, West Nile virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus, WNV) circulation has been regularly detected in the Camargue region (southern France) since 2000. WNV was isolated from Culex modestus Ficalbi, which was considered the main vector in southern France after horse outbreaks in the 1960s. Recent WNV transmissions outside of the Cx. modestus distribution suggested the existence of other vectors. To study potential WNV vectors, horse- and bird-baited traps and human landing collections of mosquitoes were carried out weekly from May to October 2004 at two Camargue sites: one site in a wet area and the other site in a dry area, both chosen for their past history of WNV transmission. At the wet site, the most abundant species in bird-baited traps were Culex pipiens L. and Cx. modestus; both species also were found in lower proportions on horses and humans. The most abundant species in horse-baited traps and human landing collections were Aedes caspius (Pallas), Aedes vexans (Meigen), and Anopheles hyrcanus (Pallas) sensu lato; some of these species were occasionally collected with avian blood at the end of the summer. Anopheles maculipennis Meigen sensu lato was an abundant horse feeder, but it was rarely collected landing on human bait and never contained avian blood. At the dry site, Cx. pipiens was the most abundant species in bird- and horse-baited traps. The seasonal and circadian dynamics of these species are analyzed, and their potential in WNV transmission in Camargue discussed.
Publication Date: 2006-10-05 PubMed ID: 17017231DOI: 10.1603/0022-2585(2006)43[936:hbahba]2.0.co;2Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This study investigates the behavior and seasonal abundance of mosquitoes that could potentially carry the West Nile virus in the Camargue region of southern France. The authors focused on mosquitoes attracted by birds, horses, and humans, and specifically studied their numbers and activity patterns in two different sites – one dry and one wet, over a period of six months from May to October in 2004.
Study Methodology
- The researchers used horse- and bird-baited traps and human landing collections to study the potential West Nile virus (WNV) vectors.
- These collections were conducted on a weekly basis from May to October 2004 in two different settings in the Camargue area: one in a wet area and one in a dry area. Both sites were chosen due to their previous history of WNV transmission.
Study Findings
- At the wet site, the species captured in highest quantity in bird-baited traps were Culex pipiens L. and Culex modestus. Both of these species were also found to a lesser extent landing on horses and humans.
- Aedes caspius, Aedes vexans, and Anopheles hyrcanus were the main species found in horse-baited traps and human landing collections.
- A few of these species were observed to have avian blood, particularly towards the end of summer.
- Anopheles maculipennis was a frequent horse feeder, however, it was rare to see it landing on human bait and none contained avian blood.
- At the dry site, Culex pipiens was the predominant species in bird- and horse-baited traps.
Seasonal and Circadian Dynamics
- The authors also analyzed the seasonal and circadian (day-night) dynamics of these species. This information would be valuable in establishing their roles as potential carriers of WNV.
- The findings shed light on when these mosquitoes are most active and likely to transmit the virus, helping in further understanding the potential risk periods for WNV transmission.
Significance
- The research provides significant insight into mosquito behavior and their potential as vectors in WNV transmission in the Camargue region.
- Understanding the behaviors and preferences of these mosquitoes could help in developing strategies to control and prevent the spread of WNV.
Cite This Article
APA
Balenghien T, Fouque F, Sabatier P, Bicout DJ.
(2006).
Horse-, bird-, and human-seeking behavior and seasonal abundance of mosquitoes in a West Nile virus focus of southern France.
J Med Entomol, 43(5), 936-946.
https://doi.org/10.1603/0022-2585(2006)43[936:hbahba]2.0.co;2 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Unité Biomathématiques et epidémiologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal / physiology
- Birds
- Culicidae / classification
- Culicidae / physiology
- Female
- France
- Horses
- Humans
- Insect Vectors / physiology
- Mosquito Control / instrumentation
- Population Density
- Population Dynamics
- Rain
- Seasons
- Temperature
- Time Factors
- West Nile Fever / transmission
- West Nile Fever / virology
- West Nile virus
Citations
This article has been cited 67 times.- Kapustová A, Kulich Fialová M, Svobodová M, Brzoňová J. Combining blood meal analysis and parasite detection yields a more comprehensive understanding of insect host feeding patterns. Parasit Vectors 2025 Jul 20;18(1):288.
- Werner D, Nehls H, Eska C, Kampen H. Anopheles hyrcanus (Diptera: Culicidae): yet another invasive mosquito species in Germany. Parasit Vectors 2025 Jun 5;18(1):211.
- Abourashed A, Cerecedo-Iglesias C, Dellar M, Palmer JRB, Bartumeus F. Spatial inference of Culex pipiens abundance and biting activity distribution in the Netherlands using citizen science. Parasit Vectors 2025 Apr 30;18(1):162.
- Körsten C, Al-Hosary AA, Holicki CM, Schäfer M, Tews BA, Vasić A, Ziegler U, Groschup MH, Silaghi C. Simultaneous Coinfections with West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in Culex pipiens and Aedes vexans Mosquitoes. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023;2023:6305484.
- Rodríguez-Valencia V, Olive MM, Le Goff G, Faisse M, Bourel M, L'Ambert G, Vollot B, Tolsá-García MJ, Paupy C, Roiz D. Host-feeding preferences of Culex pipiens and its potential significance for flavivirus transmission in the Camargue, France. Med Vet Entomol 2025 Sep;39(3):614-625.
- Bursali F, Touray M. The complexities of blood-feeding patterns in mosquitoes and sandflies and the burden of disease: A minireview. Vet Med Sci 2024 Sep;10(5):e1580.
- Blom R, Krol L, Langezaal M, Schrama M, Trimbos KB, Wassenaar D, Koenraadt CJM. Blood-feeding patterns of Culex pipiens biotype pipiens and pipiens/molestus hybrids in relation to avian community composition in urban habitats. Parasit Vectors 2024 Feb 29;17(1):95.
- Soto A, Delang L. Culex modestus: the overlooked mosquito vector. Parasit Vectors 2023 Oct 20;16(1):373.
- Boucheikhchoukh M, Lafri I, Chamssidine Combo A, Regalado C, Barthés C, Leulmi H. Assessing the Effectiveness of Qista Baited Traps in Capturing Mosquito Vectors of Diseases in the Camargue Region (France) and Investigating Their Diversity. Animals (Basel) 2023 May 30;13(11).
- Giesen C, Herrador Z, Fernandez-Martinez B, Figuerola J, Gangoso L, Vazquez A, Gómez-Barroso D. A systematic review of environmental factors related to WNV circulation in European and Mediterranean countries. One Health 2023 Jun;16:100478.
- Flores-Ferrer A, Suzán G, Waleckx E, Gourbière S. Assessing the risk of West Nile Virus seasonal outbreaks and its vector control in an urbanizing bird community: An integrative R0-modelling study in the city of Merida, Mexico. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023 May;17(5):e0011340.
- Di Pol G, Crotta M, Taylor RA. Modelling the temperature suitability for the risk of West Nile Virus establishment in European Culex pipiens populations. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022 Sep;69(5):e1787-e1799.
- Bertola M, Mazzucato M, Pombi M, Montarsi F. Updated occurrence and bionomics of potential malaria vectors in Europe: a systematic review (2000-2021). Parasit Vectors 2022 Mar 15;15(1):88.
- Rodriguez MD, Doherty PF, Piaggio AJ, Huyvaert KP. Sex and nest type influence avian blood parasite prevalence in a high-elevation bird community. Parasit Vectors 2021 Mar 8;14(1):145.
- Šikutová S, Dočkal P, Straková P, Mendel J, Šebesta O, Betášová L, Blažejová H, Hubálek Z, Rudolf I. First Record of Mosquito-Borne Kyzylagach Virus in Central Europe. Viruses 2020 Dec 16;12(12).
- Chapman GE, Sherlock K, Hesson JC, Blagrove MSC, Lycett GJ, Archer D, Solomon T, Baylis M. Laboratory transmission potential of British mosquitoes for equine arboviruses. Parasit Vectors 2020 Aug 12;13(1):413.
- Gutiérrez-López R, Martínez-de la Puente J, Gangoso L, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Plasmodium transmission differs between mosquito species and parasite lineages. Parasitology 2020 Apr;147(4):441-447.
- Tomazatos A, Jansen S, Pfister S, Török E, Maranda I, Horváth C, Keresztes L, Spînu M, Tannich E, Jöst H, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Cadar D, Lühken R. Ecology of West Nile Virus in the Danube Delta, Romania: Phylogeography, Xenosurveillance and Mosquito Host-Feeding Patterns. Viruses 2019 Dec 14;11(12).
- Hönig V, Palus M, Kaspar T, Zemanova M, Majerova K, Hofmannova L, Papezik P, Sikutova S, Rettich F, Hubalek Z, Rudolf I, Votypka J, Modry D, Ruzek D. Multiple Lineages of Usutu Virus (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus) in Blackbirds (Turdus merula) and Mosquitoes (Culex pipiens, Cx. modestus) in the Czech Republic (2016-2019). Microorganisms 2019 Nov 16;7(11).
- Martinet JP, Ferté H, Failloux AB, Schaffner F, Depaquit J. Mosquitoes of North-Western Europe as Potential Vectors of Arboviruses: A Review. Viruses 2019 Nov 14;11(11).
- Stephenson EB, Murphy AK, Jansen CC, Peel AJ, McCallum H. Interpreting mosquito feeding patterns in Australia through an ecological lens: an analysis of blood meal studies. Parasit Vectors 2019 Apr 4;12(1):156.
- Gutiérrez-López R, Martínez-de la Puente J, Gangoso L, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Effects of host sex, body mass and infection by avian Plasmodium on the biting rate of two mosquito species with different feeding preferences. Parasit Vectors 2019 Mar 12;12(1):87.
- Gutiérrez-López R, Bialosuknia SM, Ciota AT, Montalvo T, Martínez-de la Puente J, Gangoso L, Figuerola J, Kramer LD. Vector Competence of Aedes caspius and Ae. albopictus Mosquitoes for Zika Virus, Spain. Emerg Infect Dis 2019 Feb;25(2):346-348.
- Myer MH, Johnston JM. Spatiotemporal Bayesian modeling of West Nile virus: Identifying risk of infection in mosquitoes with local-scale predictors. Sci Total Environ 2019 Feb 10;650(Pt 2):2818-2829.
- Brugman VA, Medlock JM, Logan JG, Wilson AJ, Lindsay SW, Fooks AR, Mertens PPC, Johnson N, Carpenter ST. Bird-biting mosquitoes on farms in southern England. Vet Rec 2018 Oct 20;183(15):474.
- Brugman VA, Hernández-Triana LM, Medlock JM, Fooks AR, Carpenter S, Johnson N. The Role of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) in Virus Transmission in Europe. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018 Feb 23;15(2).
- Möhlmann TWR, Wennergren U, Tälle M, Favia G, Damiani C, Bracchetti L, Koenraadt CJM. Community analysis of the abundance and diversity of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in three European countries at different latitudes. Parasit Vectors 2017 Oct 23;10(1):510.
- Durand B, Tran A, Balança G, Chevalier V. Geographic variations of the bird-borne structural risk of West Nile virus circulation in Europe. PLoS One 2017;12(10):e0185962.
- Brugman VA, England ME, Stoner J, Tugwell L, Harrup LE, Wilson AJ, Medlock JM, Logan JG, Fooks AR, Mertens PPC, Johnson N, Carpenter S. How often do mosquitoes bite humans in southern England? A standardised summer trial at four sites reveals spatial, temporal and site-related variation in biting rates. Parasit Vectors 2017 Sep 15;10(1):420.
- Ayadi T, Hammouda A, Poux A, Boulinier T, Lecollinet S, Selmi S. Evidence of exposure of laughing doves (Spilopelia senegalensis) to West Nile and Usutu viruses in southern Tunisian oases. Epidemiol Infect 2017 Oct;145(13):2808-2816.
- Vogels CBF, Hartemink N, Koenraadt CJM. Modelling West Nile virus transmission risk in Europe: effect of temperature and mosquito biotypes on the basic reproduction number. Sci Rep 2017 Jul 10;7(1):5022.
- Tran A, L'Ambert G, Balança G, Pradier S, Grosbois V, Balenghien T, Baldet T, Lecollinet S, Leblond A, Gaidet-Drapier N. An Integrative Eco-Epidemiological Analysis of West Nile Virus Transmission. Ecohealth 2017 Sep;14(3):474-489.
- O'Donnell KL, Bixby MA, Morin KJ, Bradley DS, Vaughan JA. Potential of a Northern Population of Aedes vexans (Diptera: Culicidae) to Transmit Zika Virus. J Med Entomol 2017 Sep 1;54(5):1354-1359.
- Tantely LM, Cêtre-Sossah C, Rakotondranaivo T, Cardinale E, Boyer S. Population dynamics of mosquito species in a West Nile virus endemic area in Madagascar. Parasite 2017;24:3.
- Tantely ML, Goodman SM, Rakotondranaivo T, Boyer S. Review of West Nile virus circulation and outbreak risk in Madagascar: Entomological and ornithological perspectives. Parasite 2016;23:49.
- Cotar AI, Falcuta E, Prioteasa LF, Dinu S, Ceianu CS, Paz S. Transmission Dynamics of the West Nile Virus in Mosquito Vector Populations under the Influence of Weather Factors in the Danube Delta, Romania. Ecohealth 2016 Dec;13(4):796-807.
- Chapman GE, Archer D, Torr S, Solomon T, Baylis M. Potential vectors of equine arboviruses in the UK. Vet Rec 2017 Jan 7;180(1):19.
- Victoriano Llopis I, Tomassone L, Grego E, Serrano E, Mosca A, Vaschetti G, Andrade D, Rossi L. Evaluating the feeding preferences of West Nile virus mosquito vectors using bird-baited traps. Parasit Vectors 2016 Aug 31;9(1):479.
- Chiari M, Calzolari M, Prosperi A, Perulli S, Faccin F, Avisani D, Cerioli M, Zanoni M, Tironi M, Bertoletti M, Defilippo F, Moreno A, Farioli M, Piatti A, Dottori M, Lelli D, Lavazza A. Surveillance of Mosquitoes and Selected Arthropod-Borne Viruses in the Context of Milan EXPO 2015. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2016 Jul 8;13(7).
- Börstler J, Jöst H, Garms R, Krüger A, Tannich E, Becker N, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Lühken R. Host-feeding patterns of mosquito species in Germany. Parasit Vectors 2016 Jun 3;9(1):318.
- Rizzoli A, Bolzoni L, Chadwick EA, Capelli G, Montarsi F, Grisenti M, de la Puente JM, Muñoz J, Figuerola J, Soriguer R, Anfora G, Di Luca M, Rosà R. Understanding West Nile virus ecology in Europe: Culex pipiens host feeding preference in a hotspot of virus emergence. Parasit Vectors 2015 Apr 9;8:213.
- Vaux AG, Gibson G, Hernandez-Triana LM, Cheke RA, McCracken F, Jeffries CL, Horton DL, Springate S, Johnson N, Fooks AR, Leach S, Medlock JM. Enhanced West Nile virus surveillance in the North Kent marshes, UK. Parasit Vectors 2015 Feb 10;8:91.
- Pradier S, Sandoz A, Paul MC, Lefebvre G, Tran A, Maingault J, Lecollinet S, Leblond A. Importance of wetlands management for West Nile Virus circulation risk, Camargue, Southern France. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2014 Aug 4;11(8):7740-54.
- Gray TJ, Webb CE. A review of the epidemiological and clinical aspects of West Nile virus. Int J Gen Med 2014;7:193-203.
- Lalubin F, Delédevant A, Glaizot O, Christe P. Temporal changes in mosquito abundance (Culex pipiens), avian malaria prevalence and lineage composition. Parasit Vectors 2013 Oct 25;6(1):307.
- Mughini-Gras L, Mulatti P, Severini F, Boccolini D, Romi R, Bongiorno G, Khoury C, Bianchi R, Montarsi F, Patregnani T, Bonfanti L, Rezza G, Capelli G, Busani L. Ecological niche modelling of potential West Nile virus vector mosquito species and their geographical association with equine epizootics in Italy. Ecohealth 2014;11(1):120-32.
- Fall AG, Diaïté A, Seck MT, Bouyer J, Lefrançois T, Vachiéry N, Aprelon R, Faye O, Konaté L, Lancelot R. West Nile virus transmission in sentinel chickens and potential mosquito vectors, Senegal River Delta, 2008-2009. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2013 Oct 1;10(10):4718-27.
- Charron MV, Balenghien T, Seegers H, Langlais M, Ezanno P. How much can diptera-borne viruses persist over unfavourable seasons?. PLoS One 2013;8(9):e74213.
- Charron MV, Kluiters G, Langlais M, Seegers H, Baylis M, Ezanno P. Seasonal and spatial heterogeneities in host and vector abundances impact the spatiotemporal spread of bluetongue. Vet Res 2013 Jun 19;44(1):44.
- Sagna AB, Sarr JB, Gaayeb L, Drame PM, Ndiath MO, Senghor S, Sow CS, Poinsignon A, Seck M, Hermann E, Schacht AM, Faye N, Sokhna C, Remoue F, Riveau G. gSG6-P1 salivary biomarker discriminates micro-geographical heterogeneity of human exposure to Anopheles bites in low and seasonal malaria areas. Parasit Vectors 2013 Mar 15;6:68.
- Brugman VA, Horton DL, Phipps LP, Johnson N, Cook AJ, Fooks AR, Breed AC. Epidemiological perspectives on West Nile virus surveillance in wild birds in Great Britain. Epidemiol Infect 2013 Jun;141(6):1134-42.
- Muñoz J, Ruiz S, Soriguer R, Alcaide M, Viana DS, Roiz D, Vázquez A, Figuerola J. Feeding patterns of potential West Nile virus vectors in south-west Spain. PLoS One 2012;7(6):e39549.
- Ventim R, Ramos JA, Osório H, Lopes RJ, Pérez-Tris J, Mendes L. Avian malaria infections in western European mosquitoes. Parasitol Res 2012 Aug;111(2):637-45.
- Golding N, Nunn MA, Medlock JM, Purse BV, Vaux AG, Schäfer SM. West Nile virus vector Culex modestus established in southern England. Parasit Vectors 2012 Feb 9;5:32.
- Pesko KN, Ebel GD. West Nile virus population genetics and evolution. Infect Genet Evol 2012 Mar;12(2):181-90.
- Fontaine A, Pascual A, Orlandi-Pradines E, Diouf I, Remoué F, Pagès F, Fusaï T, Rogier C, Almeras L. Relationship between exposure to vector bites and antibody responses to mosquito salivary gland extracts. PLoS One 2011;6(12):e29107.
- Bisanzio D, Giacobini M, Bertolotti L, Mosca A, Balbo L, Kitron U, Vazquez-Prokopec GM. Spatio-temporal patterns of distribution of West Nile virus vectors in eastern Piedmont Region, Italy. Parasit Vectors 2011 Dec 9;4:230.
- Liu XB, Liu QY, Guo YH, Jiang JY, Ren DS, Zhou GC, Zheng CJ, Zhang Y, Liu JL, Li ZF, Chen Y, Li HS, Morton LC, Li HZ, Li Q, Gu WD. The abundance and host-seeking behavior of culicine species (Diptera: Culicidae) and Anopheles sinensis in Yongcheng city, People's Republic of China. Parasit Vectors 2011 Nov 24;4:221.
- Fontaine A, Diouf I, Bakkali N, Missé D, Pagès F, Fusai T, Rogier C, Almeras L. Implication of haematophagous arthropod salivary proteins in host-vector interactions. Parasit Vectors 2011 Sep 28;4:187.
- Fall AG, Diaïté A, Lancelot R, Tran A, Soti V, Etter E, Konaté L, Faye O, Bouyer J. Feeding behaviour of potential vectors of West Nile virus in Senegal. Parasit Vectors 2011 Jun 8;4:99.
- Cailly P, Balenghien T, Ezanno P, Fontenille D, Toty C, Tran A. Role of the repartition of wetland breeding sites on the spatial distribution of Anopheles and Culex, human disease vectors in southern France. Parasit Vectors 2011 May 6;4:65.
- Durand B, Balança G, Baldet T, Chevalier V. A metapopulation model to simulate West Nile virus circulation in Western Africa, Southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin. Vet Res 2010 May-Jun;41(3):32.
- Liu H, Weng Q. An examination of the effect of landscape pattern, land surface temperature, and socioeconomic conditions on WNV dissemination in Chicago. Environ Monit Assess 2009 Dec;159(1-4):143-61.
- Ponçon N, Tran A, Toty C, Luty AJ, Fontenille D. A quantitative risk assessment approach for mosquito-borne diseases: malaria re-emergence in southern France. Malar J 2008 Aug 1;7:147.
- Jourdain E, Gauthier-Clerc M, Sabatier P, Grège O, Greenland T, Leblond A, Lafaye M, Zeller HG. Magpies as hosts for West Nile virus, southern France. Emerg Infect Dis 2008 Jan;14(1):158-60.
- Ponçon N, Balenghien T, Toty C, Baptiste Ferré J, Thomas C, Dervieux A, L'ambert G, Schaffner F, Bardin O, Fontenille D. Effects of local anthropogenic changes on potential malaria vector Anopheles hyrcanus and West Nile virus vector Culex modestus, Camargue, France. Emerg Infect Dis 2007 Dec;13(12):1810-5.
- Ponçon N, Toty C, L'Ambert G, Le Goff G, Brengues C, Schaffner F, Fontenille D. Biology and dynamics of potential malaria vectors in Southern France. Malar J 2007 Feb 21;6:18.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists