What health condition is transmitted by a quarter of mosquito species in Michigan?

Heartworm is a parasitic disease caused by the heartworm parasite, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, including several species found in Michigan. While not every species carries the heartworm larvae, a significant number of mosquito species act as vectors for this disease, particularly those that tend to bite dogs and cats. The relationship between mosquitoes and heartworm is critical in veterinary medicine, as these blood-feeding insects play a key role in the life cycle of the parasite, allowing it to spread in animal populations.

In contrast, the other diseases mentioned—West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Zika Virus—are predominantly products of a much narrower range of mosquito species. These viruses are more closely associated with specific genera, such as Culex for West Nile Virus and Aedes for Zika. Therefore, while they are significant health concerns, their transmission does not involve as large a proportion of mosquito species as heartworm does.