VectAbundance: a spatio-temporal database of Aedes mosquitoes observations

Abstract

Modelling approaches play a crucial role in supporting local public health agencies by estimating and forecasting vector abundance and seasonality. However, the reliability of these models is contingent on the availability of standardized, high-quality data. Addressing this need, our study focuses on collecting and harmonizing egg count observations of the mosquito Aedes albopictus, obtained through ovitraps in monitoring and surveillance efforts across Albania, France, Italy, and Switzerland from 2010 to 2022. We processed the raw observations to obtain a continuous time series of ovitraps observations allowing for an extensive geographical and temporal coverage of Ae. albopictus population dynamics. The resulting post-processed observations are stored in the open-access database VectAbundance.This initiative addresses the critical need for accessible, high-quality data, enhancing the reliability of modelling efforts and bolstering public health preparedness.

Fig. 1

Location (brown dots) of the aggregated ovitraps at 9 × 9 km spatial resolution, with the colored polygons representing the administrative areas at the NUTS2 level where observations are available.

Fig. 2

Effect of the temporal downscaling on the observed egg counts of a typical ovitrap across two sampling seasons. The general seasonal pattern remains consistent, but the observed values are now distributed throughout the ovitrap’s activity period.