Mosquito Species Composition at a Zoological Park in South Carolina, USA, August–December 2023

Background: Zoological parks offer unique opportunities to monitor arthropod vectors and assess risks to native and exotic animal populations. Methods: From August to December 2023, a prospective surveillance initiative was conducted at Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens, South Carolina’s largest zoological park. Adult mosquitoes were collected near animal enclosures using CO 2 -baited CDC miniature light traps. Pools of Culex spp. were screened for West Nile virus with rapid analyte measurement platform assays. Results: A total of 597 mosquitoes representing 17 species were collected. All Culex pools tested negative for West Nile virus. Conclusions: Despite routine mosquito abatement, a diverse assemblage of species was documented. Continued surveillance in zoological settings can clarify vector-borne disease dynamics and emerging threats to both humans and animals. Future studies should assess insecticide resistance and expand arboviral testing to strengthen prevention and mitigation strategies.