Background: In 2016, a field study was implemented in all Armenian provinces in order to update knowledge on the presence and distribution of both native and invasive mosquito species. Larvae and adult mosquitoes were sampled and identified on the basis of their morphology. Supplementary field surveys were performed in 2017–2018. Results: Between June 20 and July 12, 2016, 117 localities were visited. A total number of 197 sampling units were checked, of which 143 (73%) were positive for mosquitoes (with 1–6 species per sampling unit). A total number of 4157 mosquito specimens were identified to species or species complex level. Ten species represent first records for Armenia: Aedes albopictus, Ae. annulipes, Ae. cataphylla, Ae. cinereus/geminus (probably Ae. cinereus), Ae. flavescens, Anopheles plumbeus, Coquillettidia richiardii, Culex martinii, Cx. torrentium and Culiseta subochrea. The invasive species Ae. albopictus was recorded in a single locality (Bagratashen) at the border point with Georgia, along the main road Tbilisi-Yerevan. This species was further recorded in 2017 and 2018, demonstrating its establishment and spread in north Armenia. These surveys confirm the presence of vectors of malaria parasites (in particular An. sacharovi) and West Nile virus (Cx. pipiens). Conclusion: The knowledge of the Armenian mosquito fauna is extended to a list of 28 species. The record of Aedes albopictus, an important potential vector of many arboviruses, has important implications for public health.

Accurate identification of insect species is an indispensable and challenging requirement for every entomologist, particularly if the species is involved in disease outbreaks. The European MediLabSecure project designed an identification (ID) exercise available to any willing participant with the aim of assessing and improving knowledge in mosquito taxonomy. The exercise was based on high-definition photomicrographs of mosquitoes (26 adult females and 12 larvae) collected from the western Palaearctic. Sixty-five responses from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East were usable. The study demonstrated that the responders were better at identifying females (82% correct responses) than larvae (63%). When the responders reported that they were sure of the accuracy of their ID, the success rate of ID increased (92% for females and 88% for larvae). The top three tools used for ID were MosKeyTool (72% of responders), the ID key following Becker et al. [2010. Mosquitoes and their control, 2nd edn. Berlin: Springer] (38%), and the CD-ROM of Schaffner et al. [2001. Les moustiques d’Europe: logiciel d’identification et d’enseignement – The mosquitoes of Europe: an identification and training programme. Montpellier: IRD; EID] (32%), while other tools were used by less than 10% of responders. Responders reporting the identification of mosquitoes using the MosKeyTool were significantly better (80% correct responses) than non-MosKeyTool users (69%). Most responders (63%) used more than one ID tool. The feedback from responders in this study was positive, with the exercise being perceived as halfway between educational training and a fun quiz. It raised the importance of further expanding training in mosquito ID for better preparedness of mosquito surveillance and control programmes.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to analyze the epizootic potential of four areas of Tavush Marz.IntroductionTavush Marz, in northeastern Armenia, occupies 9,1% of its territory. In recent years in this area either no surveys were conducted or they were incomplete. Tavush Marz is a tourism center as well as a border Marz with strategic importance. The presence of tularemia was first confirmed in 1949 in Noyemberyan. Natural foci of tularemia are located in forest zones where Sylvemus uralensis and its flea vectors are the source of infection.MethodsTavush Marz, in northeastern Armenia, occupies 9,1% of its territory. In recent years in this area either no surveys were conducted or they were incomplete. Tavush Marz is a tourism center as well as a border Marz with strategic importance. The presence of tularemia was first confirmed in 1949 in Noyemberyan. Natural foci of tularemia are located in forest zones where Sylvemus uralensis and its flea vectors are the source of infection.ResultsThe first detection of the Aedes albopictus species of Culicoidea subfamily in Armenia was on the border between Noyemberyan and Georgia in 2016; this is a vector of especially dangerous infections and arboviruses. The presence of the mosquito was confirmed in 2017 and it makes up 13.5% of the mosquitoes collected in the northeast. It is capable of transmitting the chikungunya, Dengue, and West Nile viruses. Since the end of 2015, we have recorded a significant increase in carriers and vectors, mainly S. uralensis, Microtus socialis, and ectoparasites specific to them. In October 2016 six cases of infection with tularemia were recorded in the village of Tsakhkavan in Tavush region and in Bagratashen Village of Noyemberyan region in 2017.ConclusionsAnalysis of the density of rodents and vectors, as well as their typical ectoparasites leads us to conclude that there are favorable conditions for the spread of not only tularemia but also other natural foci infections and that a comprehensive and regular epizootological survey is required to control this situation.