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Estimating the Distribution of Japanese Encephalitis Vectors in Australia Using Ecological Niche Modelling
Morgan Furlong1,2, Andrew Adamu1,2, Roslyn I Hickson1,2,3
1Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
|December 22, 2022
Summary
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) outbreaks in Australia are linked to mosquito vector distribution. Models predict high-risk areas along coastlines and inland, emphasizing the need for surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Epidemiology
- Disease Ecology
Background:
- Recent Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) outbreaks have occurred in southeastern Australia.
- Understanding the epidemiological factors of JEV's emergence in this region is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the geographic distribution of JEV-competent mosquito vectors in Australia.
- To identify communities at the highest risk of infectious disease transmission.
Main Methods:
- Utilized species distribution models.
- Combined known mosquito occurrence data with ecological distribution drivers.
Main Results:
- Predicted Culex annulirostris and Culex sitiens presence along eastern and northern coastlines.
- Estimated Culex quinquefasciatus presence in inland southern Australia and Western Australia's coastal regions.
Conclusions:
- Culex annulirostris is the dominant JEV vector in Australia.
- Ecological niche models highlight the necessity for enhanced entomological surveillance and JEV research in Australia.
