Data from: Infection and host-feeding patterns of West Nile virus vectors varies by urban greenspace composition

Greenspaces are integral to the urban environment, enhancing climate
resilience and providing several additional environmental, social, and
public health benefits, yet the extent to which they affect vector-borne
disease transmission is not clear. We explored this question in the
context of mosquito and West Nile virus (WNV) host populations, infection
rates, and foraging behavior. We collected mosquitoes from greenspaces
along a transect spanning a range of urban development. Mosquitoes were
tested for West Nile virus, and the host species that were fed on was
determined for blood-fed specimens. Bird counts and camera traps were used
to assess avian and mammal species availability. We explored landcover
associations with vector abundance, vector infection prevalence,
host-feeding pattern,s and host community composition. Different
components that contribute to WNV transmission intensity responded to
different landcover variables. Abundance of Culex mosquitoes was most
strongly tied to impervious surface, while prevalence of WNV infection was
positively associated with increasing amounts of turf grass, but not
through an indirect effect of vapor pressure deficit. The amount of turf
was itself correlated with a measure of avian community reservoir
competence. Blood meal analysis suggested the majority of blood meals in
Cx. pipiens and Cx. restuans came from American robins and northern
cardinals. This work provides novel insights into how reliance on managed
turf grass for urban landscaping may have adverse consequences for WNV
transmission risk and furthers our understanding of how the design of
urban greenspaces could benefit from consideration of vector-host-virus
interactions.