Investigators publish new data in the report 'Evaluation of factors for rapid development of Culex quinquefasciatus in belowground stormwater treatment devices.' 'Water samples from 11 belowground stormwater treatment Best Management Practices (BMPs) were evaluated for their capacity to support rapid development of the West Nile virus (WNV) mosquito vector, Culex quinquefasciatus. The observed minimum development time from egg to pupa ranged from six to over 30 days,' scientists in the United States report (see also Vector Ecology).
'Concentrations of potential food resources (total suspended solids and the particulate organic matter in water samples) were significantly correlated to development times. In addition, the rate of immature mosquito development was both site-dependent and variable in time, suggesting that factors favorable to rapid development were strongly influenced by watershed characteristics and seasonal changes in temperature,' wrote J.E. Harbison and colleagues, Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Public Health.
The researchers concluded: 'Measured temperatures in belowground BMPs suggest that these structures may remain amenable to WNV virus activity longer each year than sites aboveground.'
Harbison and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Vector Ecology (Evaluation of factors for rapid development of Culex quinquefasciatus in belowground stormwater treatment devices. Journal of Vector Ecology, 2009;34(2):182-90).
For additional information, contact J.E. Harbison, Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Dept. of Public Health, Center for Infectious Diseases, 2151 Convention Center Way, Suite 218B, Ontario, CA 91764 USA.
The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Vector Ecology is: Society Vector Ecology, PO Box 87, Santa ANA, CA 92702, USA.
Keywords: City:Ontario, State:CA, Country:United States, Conservation, Ecology, Environment, Vector Ecology, Virology, Viruses.
This article was prepared by Science Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2010, Science Letter via NewsRx.com.
