The role of entomological surveillance in mitigating vector risks and monitoring points of entry
 
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1
Laboratory of Insects and Parasites of Medical Importance, Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Kifissia, Greece
 
2
Unit of Medical Entomology, Laboratory for the Surveillance of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious, Parasitic Diseases and Zoonoses, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
 
 
Publication date: 2025-12-05
 
 
Corresponding author
Antonios Michaelakis   

Laboratory of Insects and Parasites of Medical Importance, Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Kifissia, Greece
 
 
Popul. Med. 2025;7(Supplement 1):A30
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The critical role of entomological surveillance in addressing the challenges posed by climate change to vector-borne diseases (VBDs) cannot be overstated 1-3. Mosquito species, both native (e.g., Culex pipiens)4 and invasive (e.g., Aedes albopictus)5,6, serve as significant vectors for various pathogens, necessitating robust monitoring frameworks.

Methods:
In response to the growing threat of VBDs, an integrated surveillance approach has been implemented, encompassing traditional monitoring as well as heightened surveillance at key points of entry, such as ports and airports. Since 2021, over 57 BG-Sentinel 2 (BGS2) adult mosquito traps and more than 110 ovitraps have been continuously operational in the Attica region of Greece, inspected weekly throughout the year. Furthermore, since 2023, additional BGS2 traps have been strategically placed at major points of entry to reinforce monitoring efforts in these critical locations.

Results:
Over the course of three years of monitoring mosquito populations using an extensive network of oviposition and adult traps across the Attica region, we identified 22 different mosquito species. This comprehensive dataset provided valuable insights into the seasonal abundance and activity of these species, including notable changes such as the increased winter activity of Aedes albopictus. All identified species corresponded with historical records for the region, suggesting the continued presence of established mosquito populations. Significantly, no new invasive mosquito species were found to have established populations at the designated points of entry during the monitoring period.

Conclusions:
This proactive monitoring aims to detect and respond to new vector introductions early, thereby preventing the establishment and spread of invasive species. The findings from both regional and point-of-entry surveillance sites underscore the impact of climate change on vector behavior and the subsequent risks of VBDs detection, highlighting the necessity for a year-round, integrated mosquito management strategy 6-7.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank Anna Megalou, General Director for Public Health and Social Care in the Region of Attica.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
FUNDING
This study was supported by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, “Greece 2.0” & EU Funding – Next Generation EU, the Region of Attica, and the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme. The project entitled “moSquITo: Innovative approaches for monitoring and management of the Asian tiger mosquito with emphasis on the Sterile Insect Technique (ΤΑΕΔΚ06173)”. The project “A systematic surveillance of vector mosquitoes for the control of mosquito- borne diseases in the Region of Attica" financed by the Region of Attica. The project IDAlert (https://idalertproject.eu) with Horizon Europe grant no. 101057554. IDAlert is part of the EU climate change and health cluster (https://climate-health.eu). The project “E4Warning: Eco-Epidemiological Intelligence for early Warning and response to mosquito-borne disease risk in Endemic and Emergence setting” (https://www.e4warning.eu) with Horizon Europe grant no. 01086640. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
ETHICAL APPROVAL AND INFORMED CONSENT
Ethical approval and informed consent were not required for this study.
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