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Feeding sources of mosquitoes in Galapagos Islands: A potential threat to wildlife conservation

Abstract:

Vector-borne diseases pose significant threats to both human and animal health, including wildlife, particularly in vulnerable island ecosystems like the Galapagos Islands. This study examines the mosquito community composition around domestic dogs and Galapagos sea lion rookeries across four islands: San Cristobal, Isabela, Santa Cruz, and Floreana. Using BG-Sentinel traps, a total of 292 mosquitoes were collected, identifying three species: Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and A. taeniorhynchus. Culex quinquefasciatus was the most abundant, with diverse feeding patterns identified through blood meal analysis, revealing host ranges that included domestic chicken, domestic dogs, and sea lions. The presence of Dirofilaria immitis was confirmed in C. quinquefasciatus individuals, indicating a potential risk for heartworm transmission to dogs and to the endangered Galapagos sea lions. Continued surveillance and targeted control measures are crucial for reducing zoonotic disease risks in this fragile ecosystem, emphasizing the need for further research to inform human and animal health prevention strategies.