Climate Change and its Effect on Vector-Borne Disease - mise à jour
Sujet(s) : Changements climatiques; Maladies transmissibles et infectieuses
Researchers have explained the many effects that climate change can have on the distribution, life cycle and behaviour of arthropod vectors; based on this information, a concurrent shift in vector-borne disease patterns seems inevitable. Niagara Region is considered to be a gateway community for the emergence of new vector-borne diseases into Ontario, due to its environmental suitability and its geographical proximity to the United States. It will likely be necessary for Niagara Region Public Health to augment its existing vector-borne disease surveillance program, so as to encompass the potential health threats created as foreign arthropod species begin to encroach upon Niagara Region's borders. In collaboration with Brock University and PHAC, NRPH has been able to facilitate the erection of a Rothamsted trap to catalogue the broad spectrum of winged arthropods that inhabit Niagara Region, and thus identify potential disease vectors. While these traps have been used in Europe for a number of years, this is the first time it has been utilized in Canada. Since climate change is a gradual process, it will be necessary to acquire extensive data before its impact on vector-borne disease in Niagara Region and Ontario can be fully realized. It is postulated that examination of annual database records will signal the need for modification of Niagara Region Public Health's current vector-borne disease strategy, and potentially the responses of other health units in Ontario.
2011 and 2012 data to date is showing a considerable variety of insect species in the region but it is expected that it will take several years to confirm trends and changes in species. An agreement has been reached with Cornell University, which has the only other Rothamstad trap in North America, to share data.
Personne-ressource :
Bill Hunter, Manager, Environmental Health, Niagara Region Public Health
Courriel : bill.hunter(at)niagararegion.ca
Téléphone : 905-688-3762