Asian tiger mosquito
Aedes albopictus
Asian tiger mosquito
This pest is not known to be established in New Zealand. An incursion at the Ports of Auckland is currently being investigated. It is an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993.
If you experience nuisance daytime mosquito biting in the downtown Auckland area call 0800 MOZZIE (0800 669943)
Description
A single male Asian Tiger Mosquito was trapped at Shed 8 at the Ports of Auckland on 2 March 2007. This has been the site of a number of previous interceptions of exotic mosquitoes. Investigations are continuing to determine whether there is a population in the area.
It is difficult to identify mosquito species without a microscope, but the Asian Tiger Mosquito is a nuisance biting species that bites frequently during the day (unlike other established mosquitos that bite at dawn and dusk).
Impact
The detection of this mosquito is being taken seriously because it is capable of carrying several serious human illnesses. These include Dengue fever, Yellow fever and several types of encephalitis.
It is also an aggressive daytime biter, capable of biting up to 48 times an hour.
Spread
Asian tiger mosquito has the potential to establish in New Zealand north of the Waikato, and possibly as far south as Hawkes Bay. Establishment is dependent on warm temperatures and adequate rainfall.
Management
Work is ongoing to determine if there are any more Asian tiger mosquitoes, and contain, control and eliminate them if any are found. Surveillance and trapping at the port has increased, and several potential habitats identified and treated, or eliminated altogether. Some traps have been erected in Quay Street, just outside the port boundary.
Media Releases
- Mosquito identification confirmed as Asian Tiger Mosquito - 06 March 2007
Updates
- Stakeholder Update - 7 March 2007
Page last updated: 17 June 2008