Asian mosquitoes spread reinforced
Mosquitoes can transmit a wide range of infectious diseases, and the various species of mosquitoes is quite different pathogens share. With the Invasion of new mosquito species like the Asian tiger mosquito or the Japanese Bush mosquito is also the risk of new infectious diseases increases. A recent study from Austria shows that the Asian mosquito species spread increasingly in Tirol. For Germany, previous studies have already shown a similar development.
So far, around 50 mosquito species in Austria are known and new potentially invasive species will be added, report the researchers from the University of Veterinary medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna) from their study results. Several originally comes from Asia mosquito species spread, therefore, in the Tyrol. Thus, the risk for the Transmission of dangerous viruses such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika increases. A Monitoring of the mosquitoes fauna, is therefore urgently needed.
Spread of new mosquito species
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Overall, the main results of the study are not very encouraging, according to the research team. So there is first signs that the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has already been established in the Tyrol, so there wintered, and not every year can be introduced, and also the Japanese Bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus) is now in the Tyrol, at home. You will find, also, in all other länder in Austria.
Korean Bush mosquito for the first time in Austria demonstrated
For the first time, the researchers were able to demonstrate, in addition, the Korean Bush mosquito (Aedes koreicus) in Austria. In Germany, scientists from the Senckenberg research Institute this already in the year 2019 in the state of Hesse demonstrated and explicitly against the risks of mosquito-Invasion warned. Because Aedes koreicus is considered to be potential Vectors for the Virus of Japanese encephalitis, Chikungunya Virus and as a Carrier of roundworms (Act). The results were published, the German research team in the journal “Parasitology Research”.
Mosquito occurrence studied in 67 locations
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The Austrian researchers to study, first author Hans-Peter leaders from the Institute for Parasitology of the University of veterinary medicine, Vienna have now with the help of so-called Ovitraps (device, on the mosquitoes to lay their eggs), the proliferation of mosquitoes in the Tyrol, studied. “In the framework of the scientific mosquito monitoring programme were established from may to October 2018, to 67 locations weekly Ovitraps – 17 in Osttirol and 50 in North Tirol”, the notification of the veterinary medical University of Vienna.
The sampling was carried out on motorways and in urban and rural areas. The observed distribution of biting newcomers was very high, according to the research team. As had been found in 18 of the 67 sites (27%) of eggs of alien mosquitoes. The Asian tiger mosquito and the Japanese Bush were mosquito documented both on highways and in urban areas in East and North Tyrol and the Korean Bush mosquito was for the first time in Osttirol demonstrated.
Of high importance for the public health
“The detection of the Asian tiger mosquito, the Japanese Bush mosquito, and Korean Bush mosquito is for the population, for public health and for the relevant decision-makers is of great significance”, emphasized study first author Hans-Peter leader. The Asian tiger mosquito could not transfer dangerous pathogens, such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, while the local mosquitoes are capable of doing. “In addition, the new mosquito species have some of the more unpleasant side effects, as they are very troublesome in large masses can occur, and even in the daytime sting,” says the expert.
Tiger mosquitoes are particularly problematic
The study’s first author, according to the worldwide, there are approximately 3,500 mosquito species, many of which are potential disease vectors and their distribution can have a significant impact on the health of humans and animals. In Europe, foreign mosquitoes of the genus Aedes new diseases threaten, especially through the establishment area. So come by the tiger mosquito to the local Transmissions of the potentially life-threatening virus, Dengue and Chikungunya diseases, such as in France and Italy, reported leader.
Mosquito Invasion on the highways
In the light of current findings “is a continuous Monitoring of new species of mosquitoes is urgently required,” emphasizes the expert. And he also explains why the highways are veritable Hotspots of mosquito-Invasion form. “Alien mosquito species are primarily spread by transfer of Goods, and you can ride with the car. Therefore, car are the main Entry points for invasive tracks mosquito species,“ said the study’s first author. (fp)