Abstract Details
Name
From surveillance to preparedness: Mapping arbovirus circulation across Canadian and Arctic ecosystems
Presenter
Jumari Snyman, University of Alberta
Co-Author(s)
Jumari Snyman, University of Alberta, Edmonton; Louwrens Snyman, Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton; Tom C Hobman, University of Alberta, Edmonton
Abstract Category
Discovering & Evolving
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses are an increasing global health threat linking environmental change, animal health, and human disease. In Canada, climate change is lengthening transmission seasons and driving northward mosquito expansion, coinciding with increased West Nile virus (WNV) activity, California serogroup virus (CSGV) outbreaks, and concern over emerging arboviruses. Integrated mosquito surveillance was conducted across Arctic and prairie regions (2020–2024). Mosquito pools were screened using real-time RT-PCR for Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV), Snowshoe hare virus (SSHV), and WNV, with positives confirmed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Surveillance demonstrates widespread arbovirus circulation, with multiple mosquito species testing positive, including some not previously implicated as vectors. Positive detections were reported in the Arctic (2020–2022), including the first identification of JCV in Greenland. In Saskatchewan (2023), both JCV and WNV were detected. Surveillance in 2024 again identified positives for JCV, SSHV, an unidentified CSGV, and WNV. Concurrent monitoring in Edmonton also detected JCV, SSHV, and WNV, with wildlife and human serology indicating prior exposure. Seasonal patterns showed early-summer JCV peaks and late-summer WNV peaks. Phylogenetics revealed multiple JCV lineages circulating in Canada, while SSHV clustered within the western North American clade. These findings demonstrate that arboviruses are established across diverse Canadian ecosystems and are likely to expand further under continued climatic change. In response, we are aiming to establish a dedicated Arbovirus Surveillance Unit to integrate vector, animal, and human surveillance and strengthen public health preparedness.
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