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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 (1) and soon spread globally. Although its zoonotic origin remains unclear, animal species potentially [...]

In 2012–2013, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was the cause of a major outbreak in the southern part of Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Since then, only a few imported cases, with isolates belonging to different lineages, were recorded between 2014 and 2020 in Vientiane capital and few autochthonous cases of ECSA-IOL lineage were detected in the south of the country in 2020. The CHIKV epidemiological profile contrasts with the continuous and intensive circulation of dengue virus in the country, especially in Vientiane capital. The study's aim was to investigate the ability of the local field-derived Aedes aegypti population from Vientiane capital to transmit the Asian and ECSA-IOL lineages of CHIKV. Our results revealed that, for both CHIKV lineages, infection rates were low and dissemination rates were high. The transmission rates and efficiencies evidenced a low vector competence for the CHIKV tested. Although this population of Ae. aegypti showed a relatively modest vector competence for these two CHIKV lineages, several other factors could influence arbovirus emergence such as the longevity and density of female mosquitoes. Due to the active circulation of CHIKV in Southeast Asia, investigations on these factors should be done to prevent the risk of CHIKV emergence and spread in Lao PDR and neighboring countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extensive mosquito survey was carried out in Hong Kong from September to October 2022, employing a variety of collection methods. Specimens were identified using a combination of morphology and mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (COI) barcode sequences. Twenty-nine species, including three new records, i.e., Culex bicornutus (Theobald), Culex cinctellus Edwards, and Lutzia chiangmaiensis Somboon & Harbach, were collected. Phylogenetic analysis of COI sequences of Culex annulus Theobald and Culex vishnui Theobald collected in Hong Kong and elsewhere revealed that the sequences of the two nominal species are genetically very similar and are included in the same clade. Consequently, the synonymy of Cx. annulus with Cx. vishnui is reinstated. Lutzia halifaxii (Theobald) is removed from the list of species in Hong Kong and is replaced with Lutzia vorax Edwards, the identification of which is confirmed in the present study. The record of Culex spiculothorax Bram recorded in Hong Kong is replaced with the senior synonym Culex sasai Kano, Nitahara & Awaya. The occurrence of Anopheles fluviatilis James and Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) is discussed. Finally, an updated checklist of the mosquitoes of Hong Kong, which now includes 76 species representing 14 genera, is provided, with notation of those species that vector pathogens of human diseases., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The pet trade and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consumption are major drivers of global biodiversity loss. Tokay geckos ( Gekko gecko ) are among the most traded reptile species worldwide. In Hong Kong, pet and TCM markets sell tokay geckos while wild populations also persist. To clarify connections between trade sources and destinations, we compared genetics and stable isotopes of wild tokays in local and non-local populations to dried individuals from TCM markets across Hong Kong. We found that TCM tokays are likely not of local origin. Most wild tokays were related to individuals in South China, indicating a probable natural origin. However, two populations contained individuals more similar to distant populations, indicating pet trade origins. Our results highlight the complexity of wildlife trade impacts within trade hubs. Such trade dynamics complicate local legal regulation when endangered species are protected, but the same species might also be non-native and possibly damaging to the environment.