Invasive mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in Serbia

Abstract

Invasive mosquito species surveillance has been carried out in Europe since late 1990s, and the results revealed that their distribution range and population density have been increasing every year (ECDC, 2020). Majority of European countries are affected by at least one of invasive mosquito species, which are considered as important vector species of public health concern. Aedes invasive species are very aggressive daily biters and highly competitive with native mosquito species coexisting in the same breeding sites. Although pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes are much bigger problem in tropical areas, imported and autothonous cases of these diseases have been recorded every year in Europe. International and intercontinental transport of humans and goods increase the likely-hood of outbreaks caused by vector-borne pathogens. Cases of imported invasive mosquito species and cases of imported human infection (with Dengue and Chikungunya virus, imported and autohtonous) are increasing every year. Together with the presence of invasive mosquito species, outbreaks caused by vector-borne pathogens are significantly driven by human behaviour, ecosystem and climat changes. Two invasive mosquito species were present in Serbia so far: Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) and Aedes japonicus (Japaneese bush mosquito). Populations of Ae. albopicus has been succesfully spreading in many urban and suburban areas in our country, while Ae. japonicus was identified in only two localities up today. According to the experience from Croatia, where this mosquito species is widely spread, similar scenario could be expected in Serbia as well.