Mosquito Scotland: Assessing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in Scotland and their response to environmental change

Emilie Pondeville (MRC- University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)

10:05 - 10:45 Thursday 16 April Morning

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Abstract

Mosquitoes are among the most important vectors of vector-borne diseases (VBDs), transmitting high-burden human diseases such as malaria and dengue, as well as zoonotic pathogens including Usutu virus and West Nile virus. Environmental change is driving the expansion of mosquito vectors and pathogens they transmit, increasing the risk of VBD in Europe, including the UK. Assessing the risk of mosquito-borne disease establishment in the UK requires an integrated understanding of resident mosquito species, their vector competence, avian reservoir hosts, and how these components may respond to climate change. To date, mosquito surveillance in the UK has focused largely on England and Wales, with limited data available for Scotland. However, rising temperatures, the presence of migratory bird species, native mosquito populations, and frequent direct air connections with regions where mosquito-borne diseases are present together create a credible risk of disease emergence in Scotland. In this talk, I will present an overview of ‘Mosquito Scotland’, a multidisciplinary research programme designed to assess current and future risks of mosquito-borne diseases in Scotland. I will highlight key findings and outputs, including the distribution and diversity of Scottish mosquito species, public engagement through citizen science, pathogen screening in mosquito and bird populations, assessments of vector competence for arboviruses in Scottish mosquitoes, and the development of risk maps. Our findings provide a robust framework to improve surveillance, preparedness, and response strategies for mosquito-borne diseases in Scotland under ongoing environmental change.

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