As global temperatures rise, so too does the scope of concern in the tropics. One of the most striking examples of this is the increasing presence in temperate regions of vector-borne diseases that were once restricted to regions around the equator. These diseases are transmitted by organisms such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and lice.
For example, the arrival of large numbers of mosquitoes in areas where mosquitoes were not present in the past means that mosquito-borne diseases may arrive in areas that are not equipped to deal with mosquitoes. The latest country to experience this first-hand is Scotland, a country where the main flying irritant is midges.However, new research project investigated how widespread mosquitoes are across the country and found that they are basically everywhere.
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According to the BBCResearchers from the University of Glasgow set traps in 24 locations across the country and found mosquitoes in every location. In total, they found 16 different types of mosquitoes. This is just a fraction of his 4,000 species that exist around the world, but it was enough to surprise those conducting the research.[Researchers] I was surprised to find insects all over the country. ”
University of Glasgow website Describe the project It is said to be the “first of its kind in Scotland”. This is a fact that seems important in itself. This is because, as the research program on X explains, mosquitoes have indeed existed in Scotland in the past. pointing out, “This is not the first time mosquitoes have been found in Scotland… they have been here for thousands of years.” – Mosquitoes were not a serious enough problem to warrant research. As a result, according to the BBC, “little is known about how prevalent mosquitoes are in Scotland”.
Countries like Scotland lack such data, making it difficult to determine how to control mosquito populations and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. A surveillance system of the type used in the study is a first step toward preparedness. These provide a baseline for assessing how the situation is evolving and help identify potential risks. As the program’s X account states, “Our research… [mosquitoes] It may pose a risk of illness in the future. ”
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The UK clearly takes the vector-borne disease threat seriously and this monitoring project wider program Investigating the potential impact of vector-borne diseases on the UK under different climate change scenarios. These effects are not limited to humans. Mosquito Scotland websiteThe study, launched by the same researchers running the surveillance program, also reveals another often overlooked danger. “Mosquitoes can already transmit disease to Scottish wildlife and pose a threat to conservation efforts.”
As with any formal surveillance system, the research team is calling on the Scottish public to get involved by reporting mosquito encounters to the Mosquitos Scotland website. So if you’re Scottish, or you’re in the country this summer, and you hear the frantic whine of mosquitoes buzzing around your ears in the middle of the night, you know what to do.