Surveillance of Vector Mosquitoes from the Aircraft Cabins at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, 2005–2013

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.20161108.32(21).001

Shin-Wei Su^1＊, Chien-Hao Huang², Yi-Chun Wu¹, Li-Li Ho¹, Cheng-Fu Su¹

2016 Vol.32 NO.21

Correspondence Author： Shin-Wei Su^1＊

Abstract：

Accidental transport of mosquitoes in aircraft and their associated risks have long been recognized. We captured the mosquitoes in the cabins of passenger aircrafts from overseas immediately after landing at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, at least one aircraft a day randomly during 2005 to 2013. Mosquitoes captured in 226 aircrafts were species of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypyi (n = 2) and Culex (Culex) quinquefasciatus (n = 473), none carried flaviviruses and alphaviruses (n = 196). After aircraft spray, from India for example, we found the number of mosquitoes were decreased significantly. Although none of the mosquitoes carried flaviviruses and alphaviruses, the captured species were known vectors of several human and veterinary exotic diseases (e.g., dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, malaria, West Nile fever et al.) and might import potentially invasive mosquito species into Taiwan. Therefore, to avoid the occurrence of vector-borne disease in Taiwan, the most important ways are adequate disinsection strategies, surveillance and completely clean the habitat of mosquitoes