The implementation of the national monitoring of invasive mosquito species in Croatia.

Abstract

Based on the Croatian Institute of Public Health initiative in 2016 started the implementation of national monitoring of invasive mosquitoes species in Croatia, through the network of county public health institutes and in collaboration with the Department of Biology University of Osijek. Determination of mosquitoes was conducted in Zagreb, Pula, Split, Rijeka and Osijek. By oviposition traps data on findings of Aedes species were collected on weekly basis from May to November 2016, particularly in areas where there is no data yet. Oviposition traps are relatively simple and inexpensive method for monitoring and early detection of invasive species of mosquitoes at points of entry. Collected data on mosquitoes distribution will be used for creation of distribution maps, national database and vector surveillance and risk assessment of the disease. Conducted national monitoring confirmed the presence of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in all counties except in Sisak-moslavina County where it is not recorded and in Pozega-Slavonia County who did not take part in the monitoring. Also, during the monitoring through oviposition traps the eggs of another invasive mosquito species (Aedes japonicus) were sampled. Existing conditions, which are necessary for the development and reproduction, with present vector potential of determined mosquitoes and with the possible occurrence of pathogens, can have a significant impact on the spread of infectious diseases. Excessive number of mosquitoes, enabled by favoring life conditions and increased migrations and merchandise transport can become a problem for human health and it is necessary to educate the public about importance and ways of suppressing breeding of mosquitoes and their expansion. Implementation of national monitoring is an excellent example of cooperation of all included institutions in Croatia.