Thesis
Exploring mosquito diversity and dynamics across Washington State as they relate to West Nile virus transmission
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2009
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102491
Abstract
Preventing mosquito-borne disease is dependent on knowledge of mosquito fauna, activity patterns, and the efficacy of management techniques. This project investigated these aspects of mosquito biology in Washington State (WA), in light of the recent spread of West Nile virus (WNV). In WA there are 44 recorded species of mosquitoes, but the distribution of species across the state is not well documented. To examine mosquito diversity in southeastern WA, mosquito-trapping surveys were conducted in five counties. The surveys resulted in the collection of seventeen species (8 new species records for four counties). Mosquito species diversity and activity patterns were examined in three areas of the state representing different levels of WNV activity. The diversity of "bridge" vector mosquitoes (bird and mammal feeders) was roughly equal in areas of differing WNV activity, however, abundance and activity of selected species was greater in areas with greater WNV transmission. In addition, activity levels (trap night catch and mosquito abundance) were positively associated with temperature. This temperature relationship helps explain the observation of higher mosquito activity levels in areas with greater WNV transmission. Mosquito control in WA is accomplished primarily with larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Populations of Culex pipiens mosquitoes collected from Grant County (frequent Bti use), Spokane County (no Bti use) and Whitman County (no Bti use) were analyzed for development of Bti resistance. Based on comparisons of resistance among populations, no development of resistance was evident. The results of these studies have improved the knowledge of mosquito biology in WA and have provided future direction for studies concerned with pathogen transmission by mosquitoes in this state
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Exploring mosquito diversity and dynamics across Washington State as they relate to West Nile virus transmission
- Creators
- Wade H. Petersen
- Contributors
- Jeb P. Owen (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Entomology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525131301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis