Establishment of <I>Ochlerotatus japonicus</I> (Diptera: Culicidae) in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Ochlerotatus (Finlaya) japonicus (Theobold) is newly established in Ontario, Canada. It was first discovered in 2001 during the province-wide West Nile virus mosquito surveillance program implemented by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Although the numbers of adults trapped in CDC light traps were low in 2001 and 2002, they increased during the 2003 and 2004 surveillance seasons. Oc. japonicus larvae also have been collected in large numbers in the Niagara Peninsula in a variety of natural and artificial containers. The number of health units with records for Oc. japonicus has increased over the 4 yr of surveillance, illustrating the ability of this species to rapidly extend its range. As a potential arboviral bridge vector, its establishment in Ontario requires further study and should be considered a public health concern.