Warning about Japanese bush mosquitoes and tiger mosquitoes

Spread of exotic mosquito species in Germany
Exotic mosquito species such as the Asian tiger mosquito and the Japanese bush mosquito are increasingly spreading in Germany, which may bring with it the introduction of previously unknown pathogens in this country. According to the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNI), the Japanese bush mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito have spread worldwide in recent years as part of the international trade in goods.

Mosquito species originally native to tropical regions, such as the Asian tiger mosquito and the Japanese bush mosquito, have also increasingly appeared in Germany in recent years. Coming from Switzerland, the Japanese bush mosquito has initially settled in Baden-Württemberg, according to the BNI. Meanwhile, he was there widespread widespread and could be regarded as native. "Since 2012, stable populations have also been observed in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony," continues the BNI. Due to the ability to transmit different viruses, the exotic species of mosquitoes are in the opinion of the experts is a very serious problem.

Spread of invasive mosquito species
According to data from the Hamburg virologist Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, the tiger mosquito and the Japanese bush mosquito, the two most important invasive mosquito species that are currently causing concern for the experts, are the "dpa". Due to the rapid spread over several remote federal states and its high multiplication in the case of low climatic claims, the Japanese bush mosquito can be assumed to settle in all areas with corresponding trees throughout Germany in the next few years, reports the BNI.

Trade and travel favor the spread
According to Schmidt-Chanasit, the main cause of the development is less climate change, but above all intercontinental goods and tourist traffic. As a "preferred means of transport" calls the BNI "used car tires and flower pots". In addition, the mosquitoes would travel in motor vehicles and spread so regionally. According to the experts, insects can survive even in low temperatures. Thus, the Asian tiger mosquito has no problem even in winter cold. Their eggs would even survive temperatures of minus 20 degrees Celsius. "The tiger mosquito could theoretically also occur in southern Sweden," quotes the news agency "dpa" the virologist Schmidt-Chanasit. However, the viruses that are transmitted by the blood-sucking pests, rely on heat. Longer heat period in July or August are ideal for her. "Here we are more in the area where we say that climate change plays a role," said Schmidt-Chanasit to the "dpa".

Health risks due to virus transmission
For example, diseases transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito include dengue fever, and the Japanese bush mosquito is considered a potential vector of West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis. The health risks of imported mosquito species are well aware of the authorities in Germany according to the "dpa" and so insect researchers with funding from the Federal Ministry for the Environment have been working for several years on a nationwide map to spread the invasive mosquito species. Furthermore, the Municipal Working Group to combat the snaring plague (Kabs) in the southwest of Germany has already used the biological agent BTI against the mosquitoes. (Fp)

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Picture credits: segovax