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Project Code [2018-W-PhD-13]

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Project title

Development of an environmental (eDNA) approach for the surveillance of mosquito species from water samples

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT)

Lead Applicant

Denise O'Meara

Project Abstract

A checklist of mosquitoes in Ireland took place almost 30 years ago when 18 species were compiled. This is well below the current estimate for Great Britain at 32 species, and it is likely that we have under recorded the Irish mosquito population. No systematic surveillance project has taken place in Ireland despite several mosquito borne disease cases reported across Europe in recent years. These outbreaks are linked to changes in climate, land-use, agricultural practices and urbanization. Such outbreaks can become increasingly globalized due to the increased mobility of the human population that can result in widespread transmission of vectors and their associated pathogens. The spread of invasive mosquitoes e.g. Aedes spp. has been linked to the movement of used tyres and wet-footed pot-plants. Current strategies for the surveillance for mosquitoes rely on the capture of adult mosquitoes and identification to species via morphology. To identify morphologically similar larvae involves their collection and storage until they develop into adults to allow identification. The aim of this study is to develop an environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance method for the detection and monitoring of native and invasive mosquito species from water samples in Ireland.

Grant Approved

�37,000.00

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Safe water

Start Date

08/11/2018

Initial Projected Completion Date

07/11/2022