Public Health Implications of Mosquito Fauna in Zoological and Recreational Environments: Evidence from Nekede Zoological Garden, Nigeria

Abstract

Mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose major global health challenges, particularly in environments where humans, animals, and wildlife converge. This study investigated the mosquito fauna of Nekede Zoological Garden, Owerri, Nigeria, between October 2024 and March 2025, to assess their potential public health implications. A total of 902 mosquitoes representing four genera and eight species were collected. The most abundant species were Culex quinquefasciatus (40.9%), Aedes aegypti (29.4%), and Aedes albopictus (22.4%). These species are well documented vectors of lymphatic filariasis, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Seasonal variation indicated higher abundance during the rainy season. The detection of Aedes africanus in forest habitats highlights the potential risk of sylvatic yellow fever spillover. Although Toxorhynchites bengalensis is non-vectorial, its predatory role suggests possible biological control applications. The predominance of anthropophilic vectors in both animal cages and recreational sites underscores the zoonotic risk associated with zoological and recreational environments, where close human–animal contact occurs. Findings reinforce the importance of integrated mosquito surveillance, habitat management, and One Health–based vector control strategies to safeguard zoo visitors, staff, and animals from arbovirus and filariasis transmission.