# Mosquito-borne disease surveillance in Spain

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mosquito-borne-disease-surveillance-in-spain
> Updated: 2026-09-16T04:56:53.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Research has identified how environmental factors, such as temperature and vegetation cover, influence the circulation of avian malaria among different mosquito species. A study published in Scientific Reports noted that parasite prevalence in Culex pipiens increases with vegetation cover, while in Culex perexiguus, it is linked to higher minimum temperatures. This research also revealed nine distinct genetic lineages of the parasite.

In Catalonia, authorities detected Usutu and West Nile viruses in mosquitoes within a wetland area. Although these viruses circulate between mosquitoes and wild birds, the risk to humans was described as “very low” due to the distance from urban centers. 

Ongoing surveillance efforts include the Mosquito Alert citizen science project, which utilizes a mobile application for individuals to report mosquito sightings. This data assists researchers in tracking species expansion and monitoring potential disease vectors. While the risk of disease transmission in Spain remains low, experts note that mosquito populations can undergo sudden, localized growth based on water availability and temperature.

## Claims

- The probability of disease transmission by mosquitoes in Spain is not zero, though it remains very low. (single source)
- The Mosquito Alert project uses a mobile app to allow citizens to photograph and report mosquito species to track their expansion. (single source)
- In Andalusia, West Nile virus is a concern as it can be transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. (single source)
- Mosquito populations can grow abruptly in localized areas when water and suitable temperatures are present. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: Mosquito Alert director discusses disease surveillance in Spain

Researcher Frederic Bartumeus discusses mosquito disease risks in Spain and the role of the Mosquito Alert citizen science app in tracking species expansion and West Nile virus threats.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mosquito-alert-director-discusses-disease-surveillance-in-spain

### 2026-08-21: Environmental factors and mosquito species drive avian malaria circulation

Research from EBD-CSIC shows how climate and mosquito species drive avian malaria transmission, while Usutu and West Nile viruses have been detected in Catalan mosquitoes.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/doana-biological-station-study-links-environment-to-avian-malaria

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Cite as: Mosquito-borne disease surveillance in Spain. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mosquito-borne-disease-surveillance-in-spain