Disease carriers – Asian tiger mosquito discovered across Austria

Date:

It was first discovered eleven years ago in Austria and in 2022 it was found in all federal states as part of mosquito monitoring by the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES): the Asian tiger mosquito. According to AGES, there are already established populations in parts of Vienna and Graz that can survive the winter here. Asian tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) are potential vectors of more than 20 different pathogens.

Many of them, such as Dengue, Zika or Chikungunya, cannot be transmitted by native mosquito species. Although these pathogens have not yet been found in Austria, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) believes that the Chikungunya virus is likely to be introduced in Europe, AGES reported on Wednesday.

Long-distance traffic brings tiger mosquitoes to Vienna
Mosquito control is becoming increasingly important. In cooperation with the federal states, universities and associations, AGES carries out so-called Ovitrap monitoring throughout Austria on behalf of the Ministry of Health from the beginning of May to the end of October. These traps are mainly placed in urban areas. It is usually much warmer there than in the surrounding area, which promotes the survival of tiger mosquito populations during the winter. In Vienna, for example, the Asian tiger mosquito is introduced by long-distance traffic, especially in the southeastern green area or at individual bus stops in the inner city. Since the first sighting in 2020, tiger mosquitoes have hibernated there and spread to neighboring residential areas and garden settlements.

Citizens can also provide information about the presence of tiger mosquitoes via the “Mosquito Alert” app. This allows any tiger mosquitoes to be reported via photo. The images submitted are examined by national and international experts and the finds are displayed on a publicly accessible map.

Tiger mosquitoes prefer small nesting sites
Tiger mosquitoes are so-called “container breeders” and prefer the smallest water holes to lay their eggs. In their natural environment these are mainly tree cavities, in urban areas these can be all kinds of vessels in which water collects, such as rain barrels, bird baths, watering cans, gullies, blocked gutters, flower vases, plant coasters, buckets, cans, bottles or glasses. According to AGES, tires stored outdoors with accumulated rainwater are particularly attractive.

A female lays about 40 to 90 eggs per laying cycle, which she distributes to different water bodies. Adult tiger mosquitoes develop about 10 to 15 days after the larvae hatch. Tiger mosquito eggs are very hardy and can survive months of drought and cooler temperatures, including winter, before hatching.

Every individual can help to take action against the tiger mosquito
It is therefore extra important to eliminate possible breeding grounds for the tiger mosquito. AGES emphasized that everyone can help with this. For example, small water points such as bird baths or flower mats should be emptied at least once a week and small water points such as umbrella stands, fence posts, notches in branch forks or decorative elements should be covered or filled with sand.

Items that can collect water, such as watering cans, tires, or empty window boxes, should be turned upside down or stored on the roof. It is best to close rain barrels or cover them with a fine mesh screen to prevent clogged gutters.

Source: Krone

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share post:

Subscribe

Popular

More like this
Related