Experts call for drastic action against Asian tiger mosquito

Belgian scientists are worried that the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is gaining a foothold in the country, which could lead to the spread of dengue and yellow fever. They are calling for more monitoring to prevent health problems.

Scientists from Antwerp’s Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) have been finding the insect in cargo that enters Belgium via ports and airports since 2013. The mosquito is often found in water in old tyres and in plants from the US and Asia.

According to federal public health minister Maggie De Block, it is probably impossible to keep the insect from settling in the country, but thorough monitoring of certain cargo could slow down the process.

“The mosquitoes don’t seem to survive the winters,” said ITM researcher Maxime Madder. “But we are worried about the risks for Europe.” Climate change will probably enable the settlement of the Asian tiger mosquito in Europe, he said.

Madder has called for an drastic expansion of inspections. He said that more staff is necessary and that they should not just check cargo at ports and airports but also passenger flights and properties of companies that process old tyres. Those measures are included in a proposal under discussion by members of parliament.

photo: Wikipedia