Season 13: Gironde Species Update
Tiger Mosquitoes continue to Colonize Gironde,France
Table of Contents
Talence,April 2024.”>A Decade of Colonization
The Gironde department in France has been grappling with the increasing presence of the tiger mosquito for over a decade. Following initial reports in the summer of 2013 in Pessac and Talence, a decree on Jan. 31, 2014, officially recognized the mosquito as a threat to public health in the region.
First detected in metropolitan France in 2004, the tiger mosquito is closely monitored due to its potential to transmit diseases like dengue and chikungunya. By 2024, the mosquito’s presence was confirmed in 439 of the 535 municipalities within Gironde, based on criteria including multiple egg detections in traps, observation of larvae or adults within a 150-meter radius, and positive reports spaced over 500 meters apart.
While some areas might appear less affected, the Regional health Agency (ARS) suggests that the mosquito’s presence is frequently enough underreported. In the past year alone, 168 additional municipalities were added to the list of ”colonized” areas. These 439 municipalities represent 98% of Gironde’s population, meaning few residents escape the mosquito’s presence during the summer months.
Community Action: A Key Strategy
Efforts to control the tiger mosquito rely heavily on public participation, particularly among homeowners with gardens. Residents are urged to eliminate standing water in flower pot saucers,watering cans,rainwater collectors,and clogged gutters,as these serve as breeding grounds for mosquito larvae.
“It is really the social mobilization that must be put at the head of the gondola of means of action,” said Christophe Courtin, head of the Bordeaux Métropole Demoustic Unit, emphasizing the importance of community involvement. He noted that tiger mosquitoes primarily breed in artificial larval habitats found in private gardens, not in natural wetlands.
Control strategies include public awareness campaigns, workshops in schools, treatments in public spaces like cemeteries, and the recruitment of neighborhood ambassadors. Stéphane Delgado, a Talence city councilor, highlighted an experiment conducted on a local scale to combat the issue.
Targeted treatment Campaigns
In 2024, the ARS reported 95 imported cases of dengue fever and one imported case of chikungunya between May 1 and Nov. 30. These reports triggered 88 entomological surveys around locations frequented by those carrying the viruses.
The surveys confirmed the presence of adult tiger mosquitoes in 87 instances, leading to the deployment of mosquito control treatment teams as a precautionary measure. These campaigns are typically limited to specific districts where a risk of virus transmission exists.
Ongoing Surveillance Efforts
A surveillance network, established in 2024, utilizes 68 laying traps placed near strategic locations throughout Gironde from May to November.These sites include hospitals, clinics, the national interest market (MIN) in Bordeaux, Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, and the Port of Bordeaux, entry points subject to international health regulations.
The traps are checked at least monthly as part of a standard strategy for monitoring the tiger mosquito population. According to the ARS, 99% of the traps tested positive at least once in 2024, indicating the widespread presence of the mosquito.
Tiger Mosquitoes in Gironde, France: Your Questions Answered
Are you concerned about tiger mosquitoes in Gironde, France? This Q&A-style article will provide you with essential information about their spread, the risks they pose, and what’s being done to combat them.
What are Tiger Mosquitoes, and Why are They a Problem?
What are tiger mosquitoes?
The tiger mosquito ( Aedes albopictus) is a small, black and white striped mosquito. It’s known for its aggressive biting behavior during the day.
Why are tiger mosquitoes a concern?
This mosquito is a vector for several diseases. It can transmit viruses like dengue and chikungunya. The primary concern is the potential for outbreaks of these diseases in regions where the mosquito is present.
How Widespread is the Tiger Mosquito in Gironde?
When and where were tiger mosquitoes first detected in Gironde?
Tiger mosquitoes were first detected in metropolitan France in 2004. In Gironde, specifically, they were initially reported in the summer of 2013 in Pessac and Talence.
How many municipalities in Gironde are affected by tiger mosquitoes?
As of 2024, the presence of tiger mosquitoes was confirmed in 439 of the 535 municipalities within Gironde.
What percentage of Gironde’s population is affected?
These 439 municipalities represent 98% of Gironde’s population.
Has the spread increased over time?
Yes. In the past year alone, 168 additional municipalities were added to the list of ”colonized” areas.
What Diseases Do Tiger Mosquitoes Carry?
What diseases can tiger mosquitoes transmit?
Tiger mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases like:
Dengue fever
What measures Are Being Taken to Control Tiger Mosquitoes?
What is the primary strategy for controlling tiger mosquitoes?
Community action and public participation are key.
What actions are residents encouraged to take?
Residents are urged to eliminate standing water wherever possible, including:
Flower pot saucers
Watering cans
rainwater collectors
Clogged gutters
What other control strategies are utilized?
Other control strategies include:
Public awareness campaigns
Workshops in schools
Treatments in public spaces (e.g., cemeteries)
Recruitment of neighborhood ambassadors
Are there targeted treatment campaigns?
Yes, in 2024, targeted mosquito control treatment teams were deployed in specific districts where a risk of virus transmission exists, following imported cases of dengue and chikungunya.
What is the Role of Surveillance in Managing the Mosquito Problem?
What is the purpose of the surveillance network?
The surveillance network monitors the tiger mosquito population to understand its distribution and activity.
How is the surveillance network set up?
A surveillance network was established in 2024,utilizing 68 laying traps placed near strategic locations throughout gironde from May to November.
Where are the traps located?
These strategic locations include:
Hospitals
Clinics
The national interest market (MIN) in Bordeaux
Bordeaux-Mérignac airport
* The Port of Bordeaux (entry points subject to international health regulations)
How frequently enough are the traps checked?
The traps are checked at least monthly.
What were the results of the 2024 surveillance?
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