Posted by Vector and Vector-borne Disease Committee
April 5, 2023
Vindhya S. Aryaprema, Madeline R. Steck, Steven T. Peper, Rui-de Xue, Whitney A. Qualls*
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2023. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0011173
Condensed abstract. Many different methods are used and new methods are evolving to control nuisance and vector mosquito populations across the world. Implementation of such control methods at the optimal time has been identified as critical to maintaining the populations below unacceptable levels. The establishment of evidenced-based action thresholds is encouraged to achieve maximum results under available resources. This review identified 87 publications: 30 reported originally generated thresholds, 13 inclusions reported a statistical method with a computable action threshold model, and 44 inclusions mentioned only previously generated thresholds. Overall, the inclusions with thresholds that were directly related to disease transmission conditions (“epidemiological thresholds”) outnumbered the inclusions with thresholds that were directly related to mosquito abundance (“entomological thresholds”). The majority of the thresholds originated in Asia targeting dengue and dengue vectors. The review discusses the associated surveillance characteristics such as the possibility of using external data (previously recorded data), spatial and temporal variations in data, and the importance of an adequate lead time to initiate control interventions that would help guide to plan better surveillance programs for the development of action thresholds.
Note: Paper could provide useful references for decisions on the control of invasive Aedes.