Vaux, A.G.C., Gibson, Gabriella, Hernandez-Triana, L.M., Cheke, Robert ORCID: 0000-0002-7437-1934, McCracken, F., Jeffries, C.L., Horton, D.L., Springate, Simon, Johnson, N., Fooks, A.R., Leach, S. and Medlock, J.M. (2015) Enhanced West Nile virus surveillance in the North Kent marshes, UK. Parasites & Vectors, 8 (91). ISSN 1756-3305 (Print), 1756-3305 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-015-0705-9)

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Abstract

Background

As part of efforts to more fully understand the potential risks posed by West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) in the UK, and following on from previous reports of a potential bridge vector Culex modestus for these viruses, at wetland sites in North Kent, mosquito surveillance was undertaken more widely across the Isle of Sheppey, the Hoo Peninsula and the Kent mainland.

Methods

Larval surveys were conducted and Mosquito Magnet® adult traps were used to collect adult mosquitoes. Pools of female mosquitoes were tested for the presence of WNV using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A subset of samples was tested for USUV.

Results

Culex modestus was found in both the pre-imaginal and imago stage at all five locations surveyed, accounting for 90% of adult mosquitoes collected. WNV or USUV were not detected in any sample.

Conclusions

Although no mosquitoes have been shown to be virus positive, the field survey data from this study demonstrated the dominance of an important bridge vector species for WNV in this region. Its wide geographical distribution highlights the need to update risk assessments on WNV introduction, and to maintain vigilance for WNV in the South East of England.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2015 Vaux et al.; licensee BioMed Central. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Culex modestus, United Kingdom, West Nile virus, Usutu virus, Culicidae, Mosquito, Surveillance
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SB Plant culture
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Agriculture, Health & Environment Department
Last Modified:	11 Jun 2019 14:42
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/13149

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