Dr. Peter Belton 
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 This site  provides information on potential vectors of West Nile virus in BC. The contents will remain until May 31, 2010

  • View a PDF map of potential vector distribution. (Overlay by Acroloxus Wetlands Consultancy)

  • View a PDF version of the summary of my assessment of potential vectors in BC.

  • View a PDF list of the mosquito species in BC and adjacent jurisdictions.








Mosquito Notes
 2009 should be a normal year for the development of flood water species. The snow pack is above average in the north of the Province but below normal in the lower Fraser region. There may be flooding and  seepage alongside major rivers particularly if there is heavy rainfall.  Fortunately  floodwater mosquitoes, primarily Aedes vexans and Aedes sticticus, although they can be a significant nuisance, are not thought to be important vectors of diseases.

  Culex species may be involved in vectoring West Nile and similar viruses if and when they reach British Columbia. As they develop several generations each year, their numbers will depend on warm weather and rainfall  in summer and early autumn. So far the spring has been cool and the larvae of these species are being selectively controlled in several jurisdictions. This procedure, and personal protection against their bites are in my opinion the best way of dealing with the threat of mosquito-borne viruses.

 The Province will be testing potential West Nile mosquito vectors and dead birds in the crow family starting in June. For the latest information on this unpredictable mosquito-borne disease please check the Provincial and Federal web sites.


©2002-2009 Peter Belton. All Rights Reserved.