Rapid spread and population genetics of Aedes japonicus japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae) in southeastern Europe (Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia)

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241235
• Publication Date: 2020-10-29T18:45:43Z
• Authors: Nele Janssen; Nataša Graovac; Goran Vignjević; Mirta Sudarić Bog...; Nataša Turić; Ana Klobučar; Mihaela Kavran; Dušan Petrić; Aleksandra Ignjat...; Susanne Fischer; Doreen Werner; Helge Kampen; Enrih Merdić
• Keywords: Croatian

The Asian bush mosquito, Aedes japonicus (Theobald, 1901), a potential vector of several pathogens, has recently established in North America and Central Europe. In 2013, it was found on the Slovenian-Croatian border, during following years, emerged more counties northwestern Croatia. Surveillance Ae. j. other invasive mosquito species subsequently extended both spatially temporally Croatia neighbouring Bosnia Herzegovina Serbia. Mosquito collections were conducted 2017 2018, based adult trapping through dry ice-baited CDC traps BG-Lure-baited BG-Sentinel traps, larval sampling dippers nets, ovitrapping. specimens from collected samples subjected to population genetic analysis by comparing microsatellite signatures nad4 DNA sequences between sampled locations with data previously obtained western European distribution areas. immature stages at 19 sites Croatia, two one site four new colonised, east south known area. A spread 250 km could thus be documented within five years. findings Serbia represent first records these countries. Genetic suggests least introduction events into surveyed Among analysed, Orahovica can considered border. individuals west this point similar border regions Southeast Germany/Austria Austria/Slovenia, while eastern Croatian localities, together those Serbia, genetically different not assigned probable origin. Thus, Europe, possibly vehicular traffic, study area is likely, but origins, transportation routes modes entry appear contribute. Further dispersal parts southeastern Europe anticipated.