New public health challenges in vector management: black flies in Murcia (Spain)

• Published in: Gaceta sanitaria Vol. 32; no. 2; p. 181
• Main Authors: Sánchez-López, Pedro F, Ruiz-Arrondo, Ignacio, Kotter, Heiko, Pacheco Martínez, Francisco, Segovia Hernández, Manuel, Gómez Campoy, M Elisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01-03-2018
• Subjects: Animals; Bacillus thuringiensis; Climate Change; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Insect Vectors; Larva; Pest Control, Biological; Pupa; Risk; Rivers; Simuliidae - growth & development; Simuliidae - physiology; Spain; Climate change; Disease vectors; Simuliidae; Cambio climático; España; Simulium sergenti; Spain; Vectores de enfermedades
• ISSN: 1578-1283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2017.09.007

Historically, no black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) nuisance has been reported in the Murcia Region. Back in September 2016 the Ojós City Council has contacted the Regional Public Health General Directorate for help regarding a local insect nuisance, most probably based on mosquitoes. After sampling with a BG-sentinel 2 trap, collecting adult specimens with an entomological aspirator, and collect larvae and pupae on submerged giant cane stalks at the river, it turned out that Simulium sergenti was the insect species causing the nuisance. This species is not considered particularly anthropophilic; therefore, a low vector risk for human health was considered. However, the high fly density impaired the life quality of the people at the village. A management plan was recommended, treating the river with Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis.