Mosquito vector surveillance, processing and storage v2

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to outline processes for the surveillance, processing and storage of mosquito samples in the field. A detailed vector surveillance plan is required to guide mosquito surveillance activities. The purpose and priority for vector surveillance should be outlined; as an example, routine surveillance may be conducted to understand: · Adult vector occurrence, species composition and behaviour · Vector insecticide resistance status · Immature vector aquatic habitats The work plan should map out the entomological indicators being monitored, timelines, milestones, staff requirements, sampling sites, sampling period, sampling methods, equipment, consumables, insectary maintenance, data management and dissemination, training and administrative requirements. The work plan will need to be fully costed within an approved budget. As mosquito densities can vary greatly within even a limited area, a representative sample of the density of mosquitoes in a given surveillance site (i.e., a village or neighbourhood) requires collection of mosquitoes at multiple sampling stations (e.g., houses) to provide an accurate estimate of adult mosquito densities (Box 1). As an example, a minimum of 6 sampling stations (houses) per surveillance site (village or neighbourhood block) might be used to estimate adult mosquito densities. Depending on the resources available and size of the surveillance site, the number of sampling stations may be higher. This sampling effort is then replicated across multiple surveillance sites. A wide variety of surveillance methods can be used to capture mosquitoes, and for each surveillance method a number of different collection tools may be used. The surveillance methods selected generally depend on the particular life stage and behaviour of the mosquito species being targeted (Silver 2008). Different methods may be employed to target different vector species of medical importance. The work plan will outline the surveillance methods and capture tools chosen for each vector surveillance site.