Are there mosquitoes in Ireland? Do you think there might be some in your garden? Would you know how to spot an invasive species? In this short video (which really gives a sense of the buzz in the room!) Annetta Zintl (UCD School of Veterinary Medicine) speaks with Patrice Harrington (UCD Sustainability) about the work they do at NetVec – and how you can get involved.
Or watch the full talk below:
In this talk members of the Network for insect vectors in Ireland (NetVec Ireland) research project explained how to identify adult mosquitoes and invasive species and how to collect and identify mosquito larvae. Live specimens and microscopes were made available on the day to illustrate specific characteristics. Attendees had the opportunity to get involved as the team will be seeking volunteers to take part in their midge and mosquito surveillance project over the summer.
This hybrid event took place on Wednesday 8 May 2024 at 3-4pm in the 4th floor kitchen, Science East at UCD and on Zoom. Tea, coffee and biscuits were provided.
NetVec Ireland is a project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and aims to establish a national network of expertise in arthropod vectors and vector-borne pathogens. NetVec Ireland aims to investigate the current distribution of biting midges and mosquitoes and vector-borne pathogens. Citizen scientists can make an important contribution by providing local knowledge and expertise and enhancing sampling capacity. A widespread understanding on how to recognise exotic species will help to improve Ireland’s preparedness and reduce the threat of vector-borne disease.
Speakers: The speakers are Angela Valcarcel Olmeda, a graduate from the University Complutense of Madrid, Faculty of Pharmacy, who is in the third year of her PhD project entitled ‘Irish survey of biting midges and mosquitoes and vector-borne pathogens’, Thomas Curran, who just completed his PhD on the development of DNA-based methods for the identification of mosquitoes and is employed as a postdoc under the current project and the PI, Annetta Zintl, Associate Professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine.
This is a UCD citizen science community of practice hybrid event. The UCD citizen science community of practice is supported by the UCD Library and UCD Earth Institute. To find out more, visit our website or join our mailing list.
