Czech and Slovak regions record low mosquito counts and boost drone‑based monitoring

Public health officials in South Moravia’s Břeclav district reported a very low mosquito presence in 2024, rating the danger level at zero on a five‑point scale. The region is implementing a new targeted control system that uses drones to apply biological agents only where needed, along with smart sensors in standing water to monitor water level and temperature in real time. The programme, funded by a state grant of more than CZK 14 million, follows detailed aerial mapping of potential breeding sites.

In neighbouring Slovakia, Bratislava also saw fewer mosquitoes after a dry spring, though authorities noted the appearance of the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, particularly in the Ružinov district. Health experts warned that while the risk of serious disease transmission remains low, the species’ establishment requires continued surveillance. Both regions stress that drought and high temperatures continue to influence mosquito activity and that ongoing monitoring will guide future interventions.