Surveillance of invasive Aedes mosquitoes along Swiss traffic axes reveals different dispersal modes for Aedes albopictus and Ae. japonicus

Abstract

Over the past three decades, Europe has witnessed an increased spread of invasive aedine mosquito species, most notably Aedes albopictus, a key vector of chikungunya, dengue and Zika virus. While its distribution in southern Europe is well documented, its dispersal modes across the Alps remain poorly investigated, preventing a projection of future scenarios beyond its current range in order to target mosquito control. To monitor the presence and frequency of invasive Aedes mosquitoes across and beyond the Alps we set oviposition and BG-Sentinel traps at potential points of entry with a focus on motorway service areas across Switzerland. We placed the traps from June to September and controlled them for the presence of mosquitoes every other week between 2013 and 2018. Over the six years of surveillance we identified three invasive Aedes species, including Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus. Based on the frequency and distribution patterns we conclude that Ae. albopictus and Ae. koreicus are being passively spread primarily along the European route E35 from Italy to Germany, crossing the Alps, while Ae. japonicus has been expanding its range from northern Switzerland across the country most likely through active dispersal.

Laboratory Evaluation of Flight Capacities ofAedes japonicus(Diptera: Culicidae) Using a Flight Mill Device

“…In Switzerland, results from an ovitrap network also show great dispersal capacities for Ae. japonicus between 2013 and 2018, and as suggested by the authors, these results favor an active dispersal ( Müller et al 2020 ). At the individual level, it was reported that Ae.…”

TMEM41B Is a Pan-flavivirus Host Factor

“…Most recently, the 2016 Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic swept through South and Central America wreaking havoc on scores of unborn children by causing microcephaly in utero ( Hills et al., 2017 ; Lee and Ng, 2018 ). In addition to these outbreaks, Aedes albopictus , a vector for ZIKV and dengue virus (DENV) has been found consistently in recent years in central Europe ( Müller et al., 2020 ), and the prevalence of tick-borne diseases is at a record high. These alarming trends correlate with warming temperatures due to climate change, which expand the range of mosquitoes and ticks ( Brady and Hay, 2020 ; Brugueras et al., 2020 ; Dobler, 2010 ; McPherson et al., 2017 ; Medlock et al., 2013 ).…”

Arrival of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) in Vienna, Austria and initial monitoring activities

“…From southern Europe, where it has become rapidly established, adults have been passively transported further north in cars and trucks (Eritja et al., 2017; Scholte & Schaffner, 2007). In Germany and Switzerland, this mosquito species has been found in particular along freeway routes from southern Europe (Becker et al., 2013; Flacio et al., 2016; Müller et al., 2020).…”