Introduction:
Recently, dengue incidence increased with a peak in cases in 2023, affecting over 80 countries¹. Italy experienced first autochthonous dengue transmission in 2023 (82 confirmed cases, 295 imported cases²) with Aedes albopictus being the primary vector¹. Due to climatic conditions changes, the establishment of the most competent vector, Aedes aegypti³, can happen. To prevent it, the Italian Ministry of Health issued two Circulars in 2024 to enhance health surveillance at Italian borders and implement control measures for aircrafts, ships, and goods from at-risk countries⁴.

Methods:
Activities were carried out by the Cross-Border Health Authorities (USMAF-SASN)⁴ and included verifying residual disinsection certificates (RDCs) for aircrafts/ships and inspecting measures taken by ships and goods. Ships coming from non-EU countries had to submit: 1. a list of the last 10 visited ports, or those visited in the last 28 days, 2. An RD certificate/declaration in which declaring measures were undertaken and 3. list of the ports at risk visited/transited from EU and 4. the maritime declaration of health. The update of pest control plans was also required to shipping companies. The delivery of RDCs by USMAF-SASN is recorded on the national health information system (NSIS), in order to monitor and evaluate further vigilance activities and harmonize USMAF-SASN data entry. From July 2024, a new shared reporting system (SRS) was launched and a checklist template on vessel control has been issued to facilitate the declaration of the Ship Command/Ship owning Companies in compliance with the Circulars.

Results:
From 2005 to 2024, NSIS recorded 142 "ships control reports”, mainly referring to RDCs delivered. SRS results are showed below. USMAF-SASN Lombardia, Piemonte, Valle d’Aosta is not shown as for the absence of seaports.

Conclusions:
This study shows that USMAF-SASN at Italian borders carry out mainly documental control activities. A total of 204 disinsection residual certificates in the Q3 of 2024 were delivered and 86 inspections were carried out by USMAF-SASN personnel. This shows a commitment of Italian authorities in preventing vector spread along borders. A common approach across European borders would be beneficial.