Table 3 Main characteristics of environmental parameters to be considered for IMS surveillance

Breeding sites typology, distribution and productivity

Information answers the following questions: where do the mosquitoes breed, what is the relative productivity of the different breeding site types, and what is the geographic distribution throughout the territory?

Good support in the ecological understanding of IMS; identification of targets for IMS control

Requires skilled technicians; high cost

GIS and field data collection

Temperature geo-distribution and trend over the year

Indicates the suitable period for activation of surveillance; feeds the model for IMS risk of establishment and MBD risk assessment; correlates with IMS longevity and vectorial capacity; explains behavioural changes of vector

Data usually available in good detail

Site specific weather data could not be obtained from local weather stations

Data from weather stations usually available locally

Field-collected data based on portable weather station

Precipitation distribution

Informs the model for IMS risk of establishment; correlates with the IMS population density; informs the population estimate models

Data usually available

Large local variability is difficult to define

Field-collected weather data

Human population density

Informs the model for IMS risk of establishment; informs MBD risk assessment

Data usually available in good local detail

Human behaviour can also have an impact on IMS and MBD risks but these data are usually not available

Socio-statistical data

Vegetation covering

Suitability of the area for colonisation and dispersal

Data usually available in good local detail (CORINE data set)

Requires proficient GIS technicians

Remote sensing data

Satellite imagery

Human land use in relation to water-keeping habits

Suitability of the area to be colonized; types of water recipients and land cover to be described in terms of larval breeding sites (potential, availability) and energy resources

Data usually available for public areas, but need to be correlated with specific IMS requirements

Private areas difficult to assess; requires time-consuming research

Remote sensing data

Satellite imagery

GIS field data collection

Quality and efficacy of IMS control measures

Informs the models for cost-effectiveness estimates; evaluates control methods efficacy/effectiveness (including community participation); resistance management

Ensures independent quality control for IMS control programmes

Requires independent, objective and science based evaluation, as well as skilled technicians

Internal evaluation

External evaluation