|
|
||||||||
Original Research |
Tamara A. Kronenwetter-Koepel, BS; Jennifer K. Meece, PhD, Christopher A. Miller; Clinical Research Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, 1000 N. Oak Avenue, Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449.
Kurt D. Reed, MD, Clinical Research Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation and Microbiology Section, Marshfield Laboratories, Marshfield Clinic, 1000 N. Oak Avenue, Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449.
Reprint Requests: Jennifer K. Meece, PhD, Clinical Research Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, 1000 North Oak Avenue, Marshfield, WI 54449, Telephone: 715-387-9376, Fax: 715-389-3319, Email: meece.jennifer{at}mcrf.mfldclin.edu
Received: December 3, 2004.
Revised: December 23, 2004.
Accepted: December 28, 2004.
| Abstract |
|---|
|
|
|---|
Objective During the summer of 2004, we investigated the characteristics of Culex and other mosquito-breeding habitats in a rural central Wisconsin community with a population of approximately 19,000. Such baseline information will aid in the development of rational strategies to control mosquito populations and prevent human exposure to WNV and other mosquito-transmitted viruses.
Methods Mosquito larvae were collected and identified weekly from 14 below-ground storm water catch basins and 10 above-ground standing water sites distributed throughout the community. Collection began June 4, 2004 and continued through September 24, 2004. For each collection site the primary and adjacent land use patterns were determined.
Results Over the study period, 1,244 larvae were collected from catch basins; 94% were Culex species. Breeding activity was first detected in early July. Peak breeding was observed during a period of several weeks when average daily temperatures were at the maximum observed and rainfall had declined. Organically enriched catch basins in low intensity urban sites adjacent to forests and wetlands were found to be more productive breeding habitats compared to catch basins having little organic debris located in isolated high intensity urban sites. Above-ground standing water sites produced 1,504 larvae; 66% of which were Culex species. Flood control ditches and permanent wetlands with stagnant water were most productive, while ditches with moving water were least productive habitats. Larvae were produced earlier in the season by above-ground sites than were produced by catch basins. However, larvae production was more variable in above-ground sites since half the sites became dry at some point during the study period.
Conclusion The observed differences in Culex larvae production based on the variables of habitat-type, temperature, and precipitation support the need for ongoing surveillance in communities to guide public health officials in planning for and prioritizing mosquito control efforts.
Key Words: Mosquito control Breeding Environment West Nile virus Culex
Mosquitoes present a significant threat to public health because they serve as vectors for numerous infectious agents that are pathogenic for humans and animals. In the United States, West Nile virus (WNV) has emerged as the most prevalent mosquito-borne infection, with over 9,800 human cases documented in 2003.1 In the western hemisphere, WNV is endemic across most of the United States, as well as southern Canada, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean.2,3
WNV is maintained in nature by enzootic transmission cycles between wild birds and mosquitoes.4 Previous research has shown that virus levels are not amplified to the same degree in all bird species, and mosquito species can vary greatly in their competence as efficient vectors.511 In the eastern United States, two closely related mosquito species, Culex pipiens and Culex restuans, have been implicated as being among the most important WNV vectors. Both species have adapted well to urban areas and are strongly ornithophilic (bird loving) in their feeding preferences.811 Studies have demonstrated that some populations of Culex pipiens may exhibit a more generalized feeding behavior and may take blood meals from humans as well.1214 In the western United States, Culex tarsalis is believed to be one of the most important vectors for transmission of WNV.6
In general, humans and other mammals are not thought to contribute substantially to the overall transmission cycle of WNV in nature. However, they can become infected after being bitten by infected mosquitoes. Fortunately, most human infections with WNV are asymptomatic or mild, but severe cases of meningoencephalitis do occur and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.4,15,16 Since an effective vaccine for WNV in humans is not yet available, current strategies to prevent or limit cases have focused on reducing mosquito numbers in endemic areas.
Mosquito control interventions, such as larviciding and adulticiding, are expensive and are most effective in preventing WNV when they target those mosquito species that are abundant, highly competent to transmit virus, and feed on both birds and humans.17,18 There are over 2,500 different mosquito species worldwide, at least 200 species in the United States, and at least 50 species in Wisconsin.19,20 In some communities, there may be a lack of data on the distribution and relative abundance of many mosquito species. In other communities, mosquito control districts have been functioning for a number of years to control pest mosquitoes; in such districts there is often baseline data on mosquito diversity and abundance going back decades. This background information can make it much easier to develop rational strategies to control Culex populations and prevent human exposure to WNV and other mosquito-borne viruses. Unfortunately, mosquito control districts are usually in larger urban areas, and many small- to medium-sized cities and rural areas lack baseline data on Culex and other mosquito habitats. This study was conducted to determine the distribution and breeding cycles of Culex and other mosquitoes in Marshfield, Wisconsin, a community of 18,908 located in central Wisconsin and representative of many rural midwestern cities.
| Materials and Methods |
|---|
|
|
|---|
Climate
Daily precipitation and average daily temperatures at the Marshfield Municipal Airport were obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National Climate Data Center.21
Surveillance
Larval mosquitoes were collected 1 time per week in 14 storm water catch basins (below-ground sites) from June 18, 2004 through September 24, 2004 (15 weeks), and in 10 above-ground standing water sites from June 4, 2004 through September 24, 2004 (17 weeks). Catch basin sites were selected based on a grid system with sampling occurring approximately every mile within the city limits (figure 1
). One catch basin collection event resulted in approximately 4 to 5 liters of water from 2 catch basins at each site per visit. A hand-pumped siphon was used to transfer water directly from the catch basin into the collection container.
|
Site classification
Below-ground catch basins are concrete reservoirs located below storm water grates (figure 2
). These basins function to collect debris washed from city streets during rainfall. Storm water enters via a grate and a pipe system with debris being collected in the basin to avoid obstructing the storm water system. The sites in the current study were characterized by the above-ground habitat immediately surrounding the catch basin representing the primary habitat and the above-ground habitat(s) within a radius of 0.1 mile of the catch basin representing the adjacent habitat. Habitats were classified using WISCLAND land cover habitat classifications.22 Catch basin habitat classifications included:
|
Above-ground standing water sites were characterized by the immediate habitat and by water movement at the site. Water movement was categorized as either stagnant or moving. Habitat classifications included:
Mosquito identification
Larvae and adult mosquitoes were identified to the species level using standard morphological taxonomic keys.19,23 Mosquito larvae collected from catch basins were identified immediately or stored in ethanol until identification was made in cases where damage to the larvae occurred due to the harsh pumping of the collection method. Pupae were grown in an incubator at 25°C and reared to adults for identification. Larvae and pupae collected from above-ground sites were incubated at 25°C and reared to adults for identification.
| Results |
|---|
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Discussion |
|---|
|
|
|---|
Mosquito control can occur at two action levels and should be selected based upon the objectives of the control program.18 In the first action level, the prevention targets immature mosquitoes (larvae) in aquatic habitats. The objective of a larval control program (larviciding) would be to target specific habitats for mosquito species that may be involved in the transmission of disease.17 An excellent example of this is targeted larviciding of storm water catch basins for Culex spp. mosquitoes. A variety of treatments are available for controlling mosquito larvae including chemical insecticides, growth hormone regulators, and the application of bacteria toxic to invertebrate organisms. Each of these materials has advantages and disadvantages and each should be considered carefully based upon the goals and objectives of the mosquito control program. The materials in each control option have different half-lives and recommended dosages; therefore, the timing of application should be based upon the timing of the emergence of targeted mosquito species. Mosquito control aimed at larvae eliminates mosquitoes before they are injurious to humans or animals. Targeted larviciding is often a more favorable approach, as it is less environmentally damaging to treat selected areas and is more cost effective than spraying for adult mosquitoes.17,18,25,26
In the second action level, adult mosquitoes are eliminated by application of aerosolized chemical insecticides sprayed into the air (adulticiding). Adult mosquito control targets mosquitoes when they are potentially injurious to humans and animals.18 This form of control is often implemented to control biting, pest mosquitoes when their numbers have reached unacceptable levels, or when clusters of human or veterinary mosquito-transmitted diseases have been identified. When disease clusters are identified, mosquitoes represent the direct link to human and veterinary risk and, at this point, reduction of that risk is best accomplished by adult mosquito control efforts. However, application of these insecticides into the environment may result in negative public perception due to its aerial application and higher associated costs.17,25,26
In this study, storm water catch basins provided an excellent environment for supporting the development of Culex mosquitoes. These environments are subterranean, cool, and contain organically enriched water sources for mosquitoes to lay eggs. During extended dry periods, catch basins may be one of the few available breeding sites for Culex mosquitoes. This phenomenon was observed in our study as only 5 of 10 above-ground standing water sites maintained water throughout the study period. Many of the Culex spp., such as Culex pipiens and Culex restuans, prefer laying eggs in organically enriched water. During the larval mosquito surveillance conducted, all 14 catch basins supported the development of mosquito larvae, although to differing levels. Catch basins located in low intensity urban areas surrounded by forests, wetlands, and low intensity urban habitats supported the greatest number of mosquito larvae. Catch basins in high intensity urban areas supported the least number of mosquito larvae. There are several possible explanations for these observations. We observed that the catch basins in low intensity urban areas contained more organic debris (e.g., leaves, grass clippings) than those in the high intensity urban areas. In low intensity urban areas with adjacent forests or wetlands, adult female mosquitoes would have more available blood meal sources (e.g., greater abundance of birds and small mammals) and areas that support vegetation for mosquitoes to rest during the hottest, driest times of the day. Finally, catch basins in the high intensity urban areas may have a higher volume of water flowing into them because there is more impervious surface area and less lawn and other green space to absorb water resulting in more rigorous flushing of the basins during rainfall.
Mosquitoes developing in the catch basins in the study area were not detected until the first week of July. If a mosquito control program were to be implemented in this municipality, careful consideration should be given to the type of larvicide and its timing of release. For example, methoprene, the growth hormone regulator packaged under the commercial name Altosid (Wellmark International, Schaumburg, IL), has applications that last either 30 days or 120 to 150 days. In our study area, mosquitoes were detected in catch basins from July 2, 2004 until the study was completed on September 24, 2004. In this instance, one application that lasts 120 to 150 days may be the most appropriate control. The precise timing of mosquito breeding in catch basins may vary from year-to-year and effective control measures may require adjustment based upon rainfall, temperature, and other environmental factors. Ongoing surveillance is important for understanding and modeling the complex ecological variables that modulate mosquito breeding. The unexpected finding of Orthopodomyia alba exemplifies the paucity of mosquito surveillance data in Wisconsin. This is not likely a species new to Wisconsin, but rather one that has not been identified previously through any comprehensive mosquito surveillance program.
The above-ground standing water sites surveyed during this study were highly variable in their ability to sustain breeding mosquitoes. The most important characteristic that predicted the presence or absence of mosquitoes developing in these aquatic systems was water movement. Those systems where water was moving, even during dry periods, were the least able to support mosquito development. One of the most productive standing water sites was destroyed after just 4 weeks of sampling. This site, characterized as a flood-control drainage ditch with stagnant water, was supporting the development of Culex spp. when other sites were not yet doing so. This site was a rock-lined ditch, approximately 4 feet by 8 feet with no vegetation providing shade or cover. Although we did not determine water temperature for any site, we hypothesize the water at this site was warmer than the others during June and was able to support the development of mosquitoes earlier in sampling.
Overall, Culex mosquitoes at 7 of 10 sites dominated the above-ground standing water site collections. The Culex spp. comprised 66% of the total larval collection. Culex tarsalis, whose range is thought to be typically located west of the Mississippi River and who is considered to be among the most efficient vectors of WNV, was identified at several of our surveillance sites.6,19 Given the importance of Culex tarsalis as a vector of WNV, its presence in our study area is an important finding. Overall, the Aedes/Ochlerotatus species was found in relatively low numbers throughout the surveillance area. Two sites (4 and 5), both temporal woodland ponds, supported the highest number of Aedes/Ochlerotatus mosquitoes. Many Aedes/Ochlerotatus mosquitoes preferentially breed in flood plains, riparian wetlands, emergent wetlands, temporal wetlands, and temporal woodland ponds with little water movement. The eggs of many Aedes/Ochlerotatus species can lay dormant for years during dry periods and be revived when habitats are flooded.18
Public perception of what constitutes a good location for mosquito breeding and development is often different from what surveillance data show. Therefore, implementing effective surveillance and control strategies is greatly enhanced by close collaboration among scientists, public health and other government officials, and the public. For many communities, advancements in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can make planning and implementing mosquito control measures much more efficient. For example, satellite images and orthotopic photographs are readily available for characterizing land use patterns as an aid in identifying wetlands and other potential above ground breeding sites. In addition, many cities have GIS data files that pinpoint the location of catch basins and other human-made structures. Census tract data can be used to identify concentrations of highly susceptible populations, such as the elderly, within a community. These data layers can be overlaid to produce maps highlighting specific areas within communities that are the highest priority for intervention. Information of this type has practical value to local governments at a time when budgets are tight and resources must be allocated where they will provide the greatest good. This study contains data from one mosquito breeding season. Data must be collected in future seasons to determine whether the trends we observed will be consistent with annual temperature and precipitation fluctuations.
| Acknowledgments |
|---|
| References |
|---|
|
|
|---|
This article has been cited by other articles:
![]() |
A. M. Winters, B. G. Bolling, B. J. Beaty, C. D. Blair, R. J. Eisen, A. M. Meyer, W. J. Pape, C. G. Moore, and L. Eisen Combining Mosquito Vector and Human Disease Data for Improved Assessment of Spatial West Nile Virus Disease Risk Am J Trop Med Hyg, April 1, 2008; 78(4): 654 - 665. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |