Evaluating the impact of Aedes japonicus invasion on the mosquito community in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region (Ontario, Canada)

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208911
• Publication Date: 2018-12-13T20:11:31Z
• Authors: Camille Dussault; Mark P. Nelder; Curtis Russell; Steven Johnson; Linda Vrbova
• Keywords: Horseshoe crab; Horseshoe (symbol)

Background Aedes japonicus was first documented in Ontario, Canada, 2001. The objective of this study to determine the effect Ae. establishment on abundance other mosquitoes Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) region Ontario. Methods Adult mosquito data from Ontario West Nile virus surveillance program were used. Descriptive analyses, linear trends and distribution maps average trap count per month for six species interest produced. Multivariable negative binomial regression models constructed 1) test whether invasion affected by comparing time period before identified an area (pre-detection), after it (detection), subsequently (establishment), 2) identify variables that explain various species. Results monthly seasonal (May–October) night increased 2002 2016, peaking September, when most decrease. There numbers triseriatus/hendersoni (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.40, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.02–1.94) decreased Coquillettidia perturbans (OR: 0.43, CI: 0.26–0.73) detection period, compared pre-detection period. Additionally, there a decrease Cx. pipiens/restuans 0.87, 0.76–0.99) Cq. 0.68, 0.49–0.94) None parsimonious explanatory included japonicus. Conclusions is no evidence introduction significantly reduced populations triseriatus/hendersoni, or An. punctipennis GGH. While further research needed understand impact species, our work indicates that, regional scale, little has been noted.