A Case for Systematic Quality Management in Mosquito Control Programmes in Europe

Abstract

The recent spread of invasive mosquito species, such as Aedes albopictus and the seasonal sporadic transmission of autochthonous cases of arboviral diseases (e.g., dengue, chikungunya, Zika) in temperate areas, such as Europe and North America, highlight the importance of effective mosquito-control interventions to reduce not only nuisance, but also major threats for public health. Local, regional, and even national mosquito control programs have been established in many countries and are executed on a seasonal basis by either public or private bodies. In order for these interventions to be worthwhile, funding authorities should ensure that mosquito control is (a) planned by competent scientific institutions addressing the local demands, (b) executed following the plan that is based on recommended and effective methods and strategies, (c) monitored regularly by checking the efficacy of the implemented actions, (d) evaluated against the set of targets, and (e) regularly improved according to the results of the monitoring. Adherence to these conditions can only be assured if a formal quality management system is adopted and enforced that ensures the transparency of effectiveness of the control operation. The current paper aims at defining the two components of this quality management system, quality assurance and quality control for mosquito control programs with special emphasis on Europe, but applicable over temperate areas.

Geographic distribution of the V1016G knockdown resistance mutation in Aedes albopictus: a warning bell for Europe

“…PCR genotyping of kdr-alleles represents a cost-effective and sensible tool to do this and, in case of detection of a sharp increase in frequencies, would allow timely implementation of policies to counteract inappropriate pyrethroid spraying for nuisance reduction and/or impose rotation of different pyrethroid-based adulticides for mosquito control. Notably, since insecticide use against agricultural pests is also known to represent an additional source of selective pressure for pyrethroid resistance in mosquitoes, rotation of different insecticidal compounds or enhanced integrated control measures in agriculture should also be considered [50]. This would prevent the risk of a reduced efficacy of emergency spraying in the case of an arbovirus outbreak.…”

Assessment of expertise in morphological identification of mosquito species (Diptera, Culicidae) using photomicrographs

“…This exercise underlined the potential but also the limits of morphological ID of mosquito specimens, at adult and larval stages, even using high-quality photos and state-of-the-art ID keys. It confirmed that regular mosquito identification practices and exchange of specimens within networks such MediLabSecure may help to improve the skill of the entomologists involved in mosquito surveillance activities [ 6 ]. However, morphological identification from actual specimens remains the gold standard method used so far to describe and identify mosquitoes.…”

VectAbundance: a spatio-temporal database of Aedes mosquitoes observations

“…Resource limitations pose challenges to achieving comprehensive and widespread monitoring coverage 29 , restricting each monitoring effort’s temporal and spatial extent and producing gaps in data collection in certain geographical areas or during specific periods. Therefore, the collection and standardisation of these monitoring data are widely advocated 18 , 19 , 23 and crucial to implementing passive surveillance systems 30 , i.e.…”