ALICANTE. Lokímica, a company specializing in environmental health, pest control, and vector surveillance, has strengthened its presence in the Basque Country after being awarded the contract to study the incidence of invasive Aedes spp. in the autonomous community. This is a service promoted…
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ALICANTE. Lokímica, a company specializing in environmental health, pest control, and vector surveillance, has strengthened its presence in the Basque Country after being awarded the contract to study the incidence of invasive Aedes spp. in the autonomous community. The service was commissioned by the Basque Government’s Department of Health and is aimed at improving surveillance, prevention, and response capabilities in the face of emerging public health risks.
The work involves conducting entomological investigations in the vicinity of imported or locally acquired cases of arboviruses in the Basque Country, following an assessment by Public Health authorities. In other words, the project covers surveillance of invasive mosquitoes and responses to potential cases of arboviral diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. These activities include on-site inspections within the perimeters defined by the health authority; identification and characterization of Aedes breeding sites; targeted sampling to capture adult mosquitoes; collection of samples; preparation for microbiological analysis; and the proposal of corrective or control measures when necessary.
“This contract is of very significant strategic value to us because it allows us to continue consolidating Lokímica’s presence in the Basque Country in a field where experience, technical expertise, and responsiveness are decisive,” said Javier del Águila, Lokímica’s regional representative for the Basque Country and La Rioja.
The work takes place in a context in which surveillance of invasive species such as Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the tiger mosquito, is becoming increasingly important. The spread of these vectors, together with international mobility and the emergence of imported cases of mosquito-borne diseases, makes it necessary to strengthen prevention, surveillance, and coordinated action systems involving public authorities and specialized companies.
Pest Surveillance and Prevention
Lokímica brings to the service its accumulated experience in entomological surveillance programs, mosquito control, integrated pest management, and activities related to public health. The company carries out work for public authorities throughout Spain, using specialized technical teams and protocols adapted to urban, peri-urban, and natural environments, as well as areas of particular environmental sensitivity.
The contract also requires a high level of operational capacity, including the ability to intervene in any municipality in the Basque Country, conduct simultaneous investigations, and meet strict response times. These requirements underscore the importance of having qualified technical teams, territorial coordination, and prior experience in vector surveillance activities.
“Vector control cannot be improvised. It requires entomological knowledge, planning, traceability, analytical capabilities, and constant coordination with health authorities. From the Basque Country and La Rioja regional office, we will put all of this expertise at the service of a contract that strengthens prevention and public health protection,” added Javier del Águila.
In this regard, Lokímica emphasizes that environmental health has become an essential tool for anticipating emerging risks. The presence of invasive species, climate change, changes in habitats, and globalization are transforming the landscape of pests and vectors, making an increasingly professionalized, preventive, and science-based response necessary.
