Abstract
Background:
Zoological parks offer unique opportunities to monitor arthropod vectors and assess risks to native and exotic animal populations.
Methods:
From August to December 2023, a prospective surveillance initiative was conducted at Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens, South Carolina’s largest zoological park. Adult mosquitoes were collected near animal enclosures using CO2-baited CDC miniature light traps. Pools of Culex spp. were screened for West Nile virus with rapid analyte measurement platform assays.
Results:
A total of 597 mosquitoes representing 17 species were collected. All Culex pools tested negative for West Nile virus.
Conclusions:
Despite routine mosquito abatement, a diverse assemblage of species was documented. Continued surveillance in zoological settings can clarify vector-borne disease dynamics and emerging threats to both humans and animals. Future studies should assess insecticide resistance and expand arboviral testing to strengthen prevention and mitigation strategies.
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Supplementary Material
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