Feeding patterns of potential West Nile virus vectors in south-west Spain.
Authors: Muñoz Joaquín, Ruiz Santiago, Soriguer Ramón, Alcaide Miguel, Viana Duarte S, Roiz David, Vázquez Ana, Figuerola Jordi
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: West Nile Virus Vector Feeding Patterns in South-West Spain Understanding how disease vectors select their blood meals is fundamental to predicting transmission risk, yet mosquito feeding behaviour remains poorly characterised in many endemic regions. Researchers analysed blood meal origins across five mosquito species collected from three wetland sites in south-west Spain, identifying which host species (birds, mammals, reptiles and humans) each species preferentially fed upon and how this varied seasonally and geographically. Three Culex species—*Cx. perexiguus*, *Cx. modestus* and *Cx. pipiens*—emerged as principal vectors of West Nile virus enzootic circulation due to their marked preference for avian hosts combined with local abundance and proven vector competence, whilst *Cx. perexiguus* and *Cx. pipiens* posed particular transmission risks to horses, and *Cx. theileri* to humans. The research revealed substantial spatial heterogeneity in transmission risk across localities, with mosquito diet composition proving the most influential factor in predicting virus amplification—superseding even vector abundance and competence—and seasonal variation in human blood meals explaining most variation in anthropophilic feeding. These findings have direct relevance for equine practitioners in endemic areas: they suggest that localised mosquito surveillance programmes monitoring species composition and feeding behaviour will provide more accurate risk stratification than generic assessments, potentially informing targeted disease prevention strategies and epidemiological forecasting for both equine and human populations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •WNV transmission risk to horses varies significantly by geographic location and season; regional surveillance programs should account for local mosquito species and their feeding preferences
- •Understanding which Culex species dominate in your area (perexiguus, pipiens, or theileri) helps predict equine WNV exposure risk and inform preventive management strategies
- •Seasonal variation in mosquito feeding patterns means WNV risk to horses may peak at different times than human risk; tailor vaccination and biosecurity timing accordingly
Key Findings
- •Culex perexiguus, Cx. modestus, and Cx. pipiens were primary WNV vectors in SW Spain, feeding mainly on birds with high vector competence
- •Cx. perexiguus identified as important for WNV transmission to horses, alongside Cx. pipiens and Cx. theileri
- •Mosquito diet composition showed marked spatial heterogeneity in estimated WNV transmission risk across three wetland localities
- •Season of year was the main factor explaining human blood meals in mosquitoes, while mosquito species and locality equally explained avian feeding patterns