The Ogliastra Local Health Authority (ASL) has prepared a document with useful information for residents, farmers, and production businesses to prevent the spread of West Nile and Usutu viruses, as well as other diseases transmitted by insect vectors. The document comes after the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Abruzzo and Molise in Teramo, the national reference center for West Nile and Usutu viruses, confirmed the presence of the Usutu virus in a group of mosquitoes captured in Girasole, in the Birdesu area.
Tests on the same sample ruled out the presence of West Nile virus. At the request of the Animal Health Service, the Municipality of Girasole had already adopted all the main prevention measures in an ordinance.
"This finding is the result of the arbovirus surveillance plan and, in particular, entomological surveillance," explains Roberto Costa, Deputy Director of Animal Health at the Ogliastra Local Health Authority. " Through the network of traps deployed throughout the area, it was possible to identify the Usutu virus in a pool of Culex pipiens mosquitoes, the common house mosquito. This is precisely the purpose of the surveillance: to intercept the circulation of viruses in the environment early, before cases appear in animals or humans, and to immediately activate prevention measures. The Usutu virus has the same biological cycle as the West Nile virus: both circulate among wild birds, which are its natural reservoir, and are transmitted by the same mosquitoes. For this reason, the Usutu virus acts as a sentinel: its presence allows us to strengthen prevention measures against West Nile virus in good time . We will continue to carefully monitor the area," he concludes, "in close collaboration with the Municipality and the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sardinia."
The Local Health Authority (ASL) reminds people to eliminate any stagnant water, even small ones, where mosquitoes lay their eggs, use repellent and mosquito nets, and wear covering clothing, especially from dusk to dawn.
(Unioneonline)