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SURVEILLANCE FOR MOSQUITOES AS POTENTIAL DISEASE VECTORS AT DIVERSE SITES IN NORTHWEST GEORGIA, USA

Abstract

Mosquitoes are potential vectors of many deadly infectious diseases of humans and animals. Many of these diseases are zoonotic, passing between humans, livestock, and wildlife. To assess the potential risk of transmission among diverse mammalian and avian populations on the Berry College campus – the world’s largest contiguous academic campus at 107 square kilometers – we sampled mosquito populations at five locations. These included: 1) the Gunby Equine Center; 2) the Rollins Dairy; 3) the Sheep Barn; 4) Rosewood Cottage in the Faculty Row residential area; and 5) Swan Lake frequented by waterfowl. In addition to the human, companion animal, and livestock residents, all areas are frequented by diverse wildlife. Sampling was established one day per week from 2 September to 10 October 2025. We used BioQuip LED miniature light traps based on a modified CDC miniature light trap design, with Octenol and controlled-release food-grade carbon dioxide as lures. Collected mosquitoes were frozen in the lab then identified under a dissecting microscope using standard keys. Species collected included Aedes albopictus, Aedes tormentor, Culex erraticus, Culex nigripalpus, Culex pipiens complex, and Psorophora columbiae. Mosquitoes were collected at most sites, but the majority were at the Rollins Dairy populated by numerous Jersey cattle. Most species collected are known to be competent vectors of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, two serious and often deadly viruses. Some also may transmit St. Louis Encephalitis Virus and Dirofilaria heartworm. The viral diseases can cause severe symptoms and death in cattle and horses as well as humans, and dirofilariasis can occur in dogs, wild canids, and humans. Thus, both humans and their domesticated animals are at risk of developing these severe diseases unless proper precautions are taken. Our future planned work will examine these and additional mosquitoes for the presence of pathogens using molecular methods.

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