Survey of mosquito fauna and updated checklist of the mosquitoes of Oklahoma including new state records, updated distribution of Aedes albopictus, and potential vectors of West Nile virus

The mosquito fauna of Oklahoma has not been evaluated since 1965 and little has been published concerning species associated with urban areas and disease transmission in the state. Between 1991 and 2007, a series of statewide surveys identified the distribution of Aedes albopictus and monitored urban areas as part of a West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance program. A total of 74,756 adults were collected in 26 urban centers in 16 counties of Oklahoma. A total of 62 mosquito species were identified including 9 genera and 18 subgenera. New state records included three species: Aedes muelleri, Anopheles perplexens, and Culex coronator.  Aedes albopictus was identified in 69 of 77 counties.   Of 12 species of mosquitoes tested for WNV, 21.3% (259/1216) of the Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus pools were WNV positive followed by 10.3% (25/243) of Aedes albopictus and 6.7% (13/193) of Cx. tarsalis.  Infected pools of Cx. pipiens q. were more prevalent in the eastern and central areas of Oklahoma; whereas infected pools of Cx. tarsalis were found mainly in western areas of the state.  This distinct geographical difference needs to be monitored in context of human and animal mosquito-borne disease risk. The widespread presence of Ae. albopictus in Oklahoma has important present and future public and veterinary health implications for mosquito-borne disease surveillance and control, including chikungunya virus and canine heartworm.