Scientists are using genomic sequencing in the Hunter to give insight into ways to suppress mosquitoes, which could help prevent the spread of Ross River fever.
The three-year project involves the University of Newcastle, CSIRO, NSW Health and the University of Melbourne.
This genomic sequencing will guide suppression strategies for the Aedes vigilax mosquito - a widespread species that originates from coastal wetlands like salt marshes, mangroves and swamps.
The researchers will examine mosquito populations in the Hunter estuary, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and throughout Australia.
University of Newcastle researcher Dr Toby Mills said the genomic sequencing would "tell us a lot about the mosquito population".
"Before we can introduce control measures, we need to understand the population," Dr Mills said.
"This will guide how successful any interventions could be. It will give us ideas on what approaches would work."
CSIRO research scientist Brendan Trewin said advances in genomic sequencing meant tiny amounts of DNA can be sequenced to "track genetic differences of individual mosquito genomes and find distinct populations".
The Aedes vigilax mosquito can fly many kilometres over its life. It spreads the Ross River virus, the most reported mosquito-borne disease in Australia with more than 4000 cases a year.
Dr Mills said the study was an important step towards "informing decision making efforts to control mosquito populations in the Hunter and elsewhere across Australia".
"The project is a part of the University of Newcastle's Grand Challenge 2020, to reduce the burden that mosquitoes impose on human health and lessen the nuisance factor inflicted by mosquitoes in urban areas, including the Callaghan campus," Dr Mills said.
"Following on from the collaborative genomics and trapping program we will also be running a bi-monthly surveillance program through autumn, winter and spring to identify the presence of the mosquito 'off-season'.
"In addition, we have developed an insectary and established Aedes vigilax colonies to further the research aims of the project."
Cr Mills said the team was keen to engage with local students, citizen scientists and organisations to tackle the problem. Anyone interested in the work can contact him on Toby.Mills@newcastle.edu.au.
