Impact of Environmental and Social Factors on Ross River Virus Outbreaks

Williams, Craig R.; Harley, David

doi:10.1002/9781118297469.ch22

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Mosquito‐borne arboviruses are a cause of public health concern in Australia (Russell , Watson and Kay , Gubler ) with 5,337 notified cases of Ross River virus (RRV) infection in Australia during 2014, with predictions of future proliferation of both the virus and its vectors under global climatic change (Derraik and Calisher , Jacups et al , Williams and Harley , Williams ). Furthermore, in Australia there were 740 and 106 cases of Barmah Forest virus (BFV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), respectively, in 2014 (DHA ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Desiccation survival time for eggs of a widespread and invasive Australian mosquito species, Aedes (Finlaya) notoscriptus (Skuse)

Faull

Webb

Williams

2016

Journal of Vector Ecology

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The Australian native mosquito Aedes (Finlaya) notoscriptus (Skuse) is closely associated with natural and artificial water holding receptacles. Eggs are laid in habitats where they are exposed to drying conditions as water levels fluctuate. Withstanding desiccation enables survival in challenging environments and increases the potential for establishment in non-native habitats. Until now, the desiccation resistance of Ae. notoscriptus eggs has been unknown despite the historical invasive success of this important dog heartworm and arbovirus vector. Viability and mean survival times of eggs from two Ae. notoscriptus populations (metropolitan areas of Sydney, NSW and Adelaide, SA) were evaluated, with eggs stored under three dryness conditions for up to 367 days. Our results revealed that Ae. notoscriptus eggs can withstand desiccation for extended periods, under a variety of conditions, with approximately 9-13% egg viability recorded after one year. This prolonged egg survival reflects the widespread distribution of this mosquito in Australia and its history of incursions and subsequent establishment in non-native habitats. Differences in mean egg volume were recorded in addition to significantly different egg length to width ratios for the two populations, which may reflect adaptation to biotope of origin and an associated likelihood of drought and drying conditions. The results of this study suggest that the desiccation resistant eggs of Ae. notoscriptus make this species highly adaptable, increasing the risk of movement to non-endemic regions of the world. Journal of Vector Ecology 41 (1): 55-62. 2016.

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