One of the on-going research topics of the Climate Modelling Group is the impact of climate change on mosquitos and the diseases transmitted by them. Recently, the group has developed a climate-driven mathematical model of the Asian tiger mosquito to map areas under the risk of invasion due to climate change (http://vbd.cyi.ac.cy). The tiger mosquito is recognized as the most invasive mosquito in the world, and it has the potential to cause outbreaks of many diseases including Zika, dengue, and yellow fever. The Climate Modelling Group predicts that the tiger mosquito could reach as far north as Germany, Belgium, northern France, UK, and Ireland with much higher probability as we approach towards the middle of this century.

In order to effectively combat mosquitoes and other disease vectors such as sand flies, in addition to predicting their further dispersion, we need to hamper them along their tracks. We need innovative technologies to complement traditional methods and improve our capacity in an easy-to-use, low-cost, and environmentally friendly way.

CyI has assembled a team of experts from the Climate Modelling Group and the Unmanned Systems Research Laboratory to develop the first operational prototype of the so-called MozzyJet, an aerial mosquito control vehicle to perform targeted, effective, and low-cost control. The vehicle is based on the S1000+ model of DJi multicopters, and it is designed to apply an environmentally friendly biopesticide, known as the Bti, by injecting precisely the required doses at the critical locations and time periods to maximise effectiveness and minimise collateral damage to the environment.

MozzyJet successfully passed initial technical assessment on the 24th of November. Soon, it will be subjected to more stringent field trials, and deployed over the Akrotiri wetland sites to help combat disease vectors in areas inaccessible to humans.

Malaria has been eradicated from Cyprus in 1940s as a result of an extensive mosquito control programme. Today, malaria is re-emerging in Europe, and we face an imminent threat from invasive mosquitoes and notorious diseases like Zika and yellow fever. Although Cyprus is a suitable habitat for vector-borne diseases, we aim to repeat historical successes, and fortify our defences against native and invasive disease vectors.

You can watch a video of a prototype of MozzyJet in the video below.

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