MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE

Entomological surveillance allows for measurable and objective data to be collected concerning the number of vectors present in any territory. In fact, it determines their density and any changes in the geographical distribution over time; analyses how effective the preventative measures taken are; and allows for the preparation of appropriate and rapid responses in case of necessity.

There are numerous methods for studying and monitoring the different stages of development in the species, or species whose populations need to be examined. The choice of the most appropriate sampling methods depends on the surveillance objectives, levels of infestation, funds available, and staff experience.

Entomological surveillance can be paired with that on the diseases studied which are carried by the vector.

Nowadays, since the mosquito-borne diseases that attract the most attention are of viral origin in Italy, virological monitoring activities have been added to entomological surveillance.

The results deriving from these two aspects of surveillance then join a larger network of epidemiological surveillance, which records any medical and veterinary cases that have arisen during investigations. Thanks to the systematic collection, storage, analysis, and interpretation of data that have been carried out by these networks, it is possible to evaluate the relevance of a public health problem and set up an effective and rational intervention program.

The I.P.L.A technical staff that deal with entomological surveillance on mosquitoes in Piedmont use a series of different methodologies depending on the goals to be achieved.

Here are the main ones:

Last modified: Feb 2021