Influence of Meteorological Variables on Diversity and Abundance of Mosquito Vectors in Two Livestock Farms in Ibadan, Nigeria: Public Health Implications.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine mosquito vector diversity and abundance in two livestock farms with previous history of arboviral activities in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. The influence of weather on mosquito populations was also studied. Adult mosquitoes were collected weekly in two proximate University of Ibadan livestock farms from March 2015 to February 2016 using CO₂ baited CDC light trap and human landing collection methods. Mosquitoes were identified to species using morphological keys. Relationships and interaction of temperature, relative humidity, rainfall patterns and mosquito abundance were analysed using GENSTAT 4^th edition. Among 6,195 adult mosquitoes collected, 16 species belonging to 5 genera were morphologically identified. Culex quinquefasciatus constituted the most abundant mosquito, representing 46.49% of all mosquitoes encountered. High abundance in mosquito population was noted in periods succeeding months with heavy rainfall, this is when arbovirus transmission risk is highest. A positive correlation was observed between relative humidity and abundance of Mansonia mosquitoes. This study shows the effect of weather on natural populations of mosquito vectors. The diverse mosquito species capable of transmitting arboviruses from animal reservoirs to human and animals in livestock farms and its environment in Ibadan, Nigeria was also revealed. There is need for intensive vector control strategies targeted at reducing mosquito populations and ultimately prevention of disease outbreaks.