Mosquitoes Spotted in Northern Shetland: Study Reveals Pathogen Risks

Mosquitoes have been discovered as far north as Shetland as indicated by a citizen science initiative that examined the insects.

Scientists at the University of Glasgow received over 700 reports about mosquitoes throughout Scotland , which discovered they can survive even during the colder months, including December.

The project received a £1.25 million grant, as UK Research and Innovation In 2023, Defra conducted the initial assessment of the risk posed by mosquito-transmitted pathogens emerging in Scotland, considering both present conditions and potential future impacts of climate change.

Since May 2024, members of the public have forwarded researchers numerous photographs of 21 different mosquito species as well as bite images.

Mosquitoes naturally form part of Scotland’s ecological systems and contribute positively to the environment via their roles within food chains, as stated by experts. Currently, they do not present a health hazard and are often confused with midges.

As mosquito activity increases in Scotland with the approach of summer, the Mosquito Scotland team is encouraging people to keep submitting their observations. This data will help the project effectively monitor and comprehend the insect’s ecology, particularly since these mosquitoes have started spreading avian malaria in England.

Mosquito sightings were reported monthly to the Mosquito Scotland team throughout 2024, with peak occurrences during spring and summer; however, cases persisted into the colder months all the way through December, as indicated by online submissions.

Mosquitoes were observed throughout Scotland, including a sighting in the Shetland Isles which now holds the record as the most northerly location for this species in the UK.

Reports indicate that these occurrences are most frequently documented in wooded regions—especially in eastern Scottish pine forests—and also indoors within urban centers.

The researchers confirmed that three mosquito species—Aedes cantans, Aedes punctor, and Aedes rusticus—were primarily responsible for causing irritation through their bites.

Scientists are working to identify which types of mosquitoes inhabit certain areas, determine their locations, check if they carry any illnesses, or see if they can be infected by pathogens that might spread into the UK due to changing climates.

Mosquitoes inhabit the chillier, more isolated regions of Scotland, with their peak activity occurring between May and October.

Dr Georgia Kirby stated: "In various parts of Scotland, we got numerous reports about insect bites, yet there were hardly any photographs of the offenders. This makes sense since most individuals prefer not to stay put for a picture when they're being bitten by bugs."

“We had suspected that midges or clegs could be responsible, but in our follow-up investigations we invariably found that these locations were swarming with mosquitoes – proving that people in Scotland are good at recognising them and distinguishing them from more familiar insects.

Many of these locations were regions covered with thick forests, which serve as crucial habitats for various mosquitoes known to bite humans aggressively.

Scientists recommended applying mosquito repellent and opting for long-sleeved clothing during the warmer months when insects like mosquitoes become more prevalent in woodland regions, providing defense against other pesky biters including ticks and midges.

Professor Heather Ferguson, an expert in infectious disease ecology at the University of Glasgow and leader of the initiative, commented, "We are thrilled and thankful for the enthusiastic support we have received from members of the community."

Their involvement has significantly filled substantial knowledge gaps regarding mosquitoes in Scotland and throughout the UK. This enables us to construct an overview of how biodiversity advantages, along with any possible threats from these species, might react to changes in the environment.

We look forward to hearing more input from the public in 2025.

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