News
RUSVM in Collaboration with Ministry of Health Continue Mosquito Survey in St. Kitts
11/28/10
Basseterre, St. Kitts--Researchers from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) in partnership with the St. Kitts Ministry of Health (SK MOH) conducted a mosquito survey for two weeks in the months of March (dry season) and October (rainy season). The team of Hamish Mohammed, PhD, RUSVM professor of Epidemiology and Alexander Riley, deputy chief of Environmental Health with the SK MOH were joined by, entomologist, Joshua Smith, from the Fairfax County (Virginia, USA) Health Department. The goal of the collaboration was to identify any new species of mosquito and to confirm species that were identified in previous surveys completed in the 1960s.
“We are looking to build in-country capacity to collect and identify mosquitoes,” said Mohammed. “Species determination is important because some mosquitoes are simply pests and others can be important carriers of diseases to animals and/or humans.”
There are eleven known mosquito species in St. Kitts and nine in Nevis. Initial results of the survey confirmed that the black salt marsh mosquito (Aedes taeniorhynchus) and the brown house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) are the two most frequently found species in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The black salt marsh mosquito is typically found in mangroves and flies at dusk and dawn. This mosquito is a potential vector of dog heartworm and Venezuelan Equine (horse) Encephalomyelitis. They are fierce biters, but are not typically a disease risk to humans. The brown house mosquito transmits heartworm in dogs and breeds in a very organic, stagnant water source. The brown house mosquito is commonly found in urban areas.
“In our survey we noticed the black salt marsh species most frequently near the southern end of the island and on the peninsula. This may be the mosquito you would see swarming if you are in Conaree or on South Friars beach near dusk,” said Smith. “The brown house mosquito was found in urban areas, such as Basseterre and Sandy Point—one of the keys to controlling this and other mosquitoes is to reduce the amount of standing water around your home.”
The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the number one vector species of dengue, was also found throughout the island. This mosquito typically bites during the day and is often found in and around the home. This mosquito is recognized by white markings on the legs, some liken to a zebra stripe. It lays its eggs inside artificial containers. Emptying out these containers after it rains will help reduce the number of this type of mosquito around your home. The Chief Medical Officer in St. Kitts has confirmed eight cases of dengue in St. Kitts this year, which does not indicate an outbreak, as a few cases per year are typical.
The St. Kitts Department of Environmental Health continually monitors both the air and seaports for individuals presenting with disease. The vector control officers received training from Smith regarding mosquito collection and identification during Smith’s visit in March.
“Everyone has to take part in helping to control the mosquito population,” said Mohammed. “Eliminate standing water on your property, make it a habit to check your yard and home after a rain for standing water and when possible use a mosquito repellent on yourself when in a heavily mosquito populated area.”
About Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Ross University is a provider of medical and veterinary education, offering doctor of medicine and doctor of veterinary medicine degree programs. Founded in 1982 and located in St. Kitts, the School of Veterinary Medicine is affiliated with 22 AVMA-accredited US veterinary schools where students complete their clinical year. The University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the only facility outside the US and Canada accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine is committed to improving the well being of people and animals in the St. Kitts and Nevis community through service, education and research.
