The expanding range of mosquito and tick vectors: Importance of robust vector surveillance in Ontario
As persistent changes in weather patterns affect the spread of exotic arthropod vectors worldwide, Ontario has also seen the introduction of exotic mosquitoes and ticks. Based on Ontario’s mosquito and tick surveillance programs, this province has seen the introduction, and possible establishment, of some notable exotic species. The lone star tick is a voracious biter and implicated in red meat allergy and a vector of multiple pathogens. The Asian tiger mosquito is a known vector of Zika, dengue, yellow fever and chikugunya viruses. Ontario’s current surveillance program has captured these two species during its routine surveillance, along with another exotic species, the yellow fever mosquito. This presentation will cover the surveillance of these exotic species, their possible establishment, the risk to Ontario and next steps.