Effectiveness of integrated Aedes albopictus management in southern Switzerland

Abstract Background The exotic invasive tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus , appeared in southern Switzerland 2003. spread of the mosquito has been surveyed constantly since then, and an integrated vector management (IVM) implemented to control its numbers. measures focus on aquatic phase with removal breeding sites applications larvicides public areas whereas private are reached through extensive information campaigns. Here, we evaluated efficacy IVM. Methods Since all municipalities Ae. currently implementing IVM, Italian just across Swiss-Italian border, where is present but no coordinated intervention programme place, served as control. Ovitraps adult female traps were used measure abundance 2019. Generalised mixed-effects models model numbers eggs females collected. These compared collected 2012 2013 a previous assessment using hurdle model. Results Mean 2019 consistently higher not following IVM programme. In these municipalities, there about four times (3.8) more than Also, increased steadily from beginning reproductive season, reaching peak August. contrast, increase was much contained programme, without evident peak. Comparison data indicates that gap between non-intervention may have almost doubled past 6 years. Conclusions results survey strongly support defined measures. With constant implementation it appears possible contain at manageable level, reducing nuisance for human population risk arbovirus epidemics. Graphical