부산대학교 도서관

Simple Summary: Mosquitoes are known for being a nuisance but also as important vectors of disease agents that affect not only humans but also animals. Zoological gardens are special places where humans and animals are found in close proximity, and where mosquitoes can also find the conditions required for their life cycle. This can be especially true for zoos located in urban areas. In this study, we characterized, for the first time, the mosquito fauna of Lisbon Zoo, and we found a low mosquito density and diversity. We found an average of 2.4 mosquitos per trap/night, and five different species were identified. The most common species was the northern house mosquito, Culex pipiens, with sympatric occurrence of the two biotypes and their hybrids in most collections. Mosquitoes were present year-round, with activity detected in winter months, in which mosquitoes usually diapause. This co-occurrence and activity during winter can have implications in terms of disease transmission, namely, flavivirus, which can affect both animals and humans. Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) are important emerging diseases that affect humans and animals. Zoological parks can work as early warning systems for the occurrence of MBDs. In this study, we characterized the mosquito fauna captured inside Lisbon Zoo from May 2018 to November 2019. An average of 2.4 mosquitos per trap/night were captured. Five mosquito species potentially causing MBDs, including Culex pipiens biotypes, were found in the zoo. The sympatric occurrence of Culex pipiens biotypes represents a risk factor for the epizootic transmission of West Nile virus and Usutu virus. The mosquito occurrence followed the expected seasonality, with the maximum densities during summer months. However, mosquito activity was detected in winter months in low numbers. The minimum temperature and the relative humidity (RH) on the day of capture showed a positive effect on Culex pipiens abundance. Contrary, the RH the week before capture and the average precipitation the week of capture had a negative effect. No invasive species were identified, nor have flaviviruses been detected in the mosquitoes. The implementation of biosecurity measures regarding the hygiene of the premises and the strict control of all the animals entering the zoo can justify the low prevalence of mosquitoes and the absence of flavivirus-infected mosquitoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]