The exotic mosquito species Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was detected in a surveillance trap at an Approved Arrangement facility near the Port of Brisbane. Asian tiger mosquitoes can spread a range of serious infectious diseases including Zika virus, dengue fever and chikungunya.
A rapid response by the department and partner agencies prevented the potential spread of the mosquito which is known to be one of the world's most invasive species.
The response was triggered when 7 adult mosquitoes were detected in a single trap at the Approved Arrangement (AA) facility during routine vector monitoring activities by one of the department’s senior surveillance officers. The specimens were identified as Aedes albopictus by the senior surveillance officer, with confirmatory identification provided by a Queensland Health medical entomologist.
Queensland is considered particularly vulnerable to invasion, with Aedes albopictus already widely established in the Torres Strait where it has been responsible for occasional dengue outbreaks.
The Brisbane detection involved a coordinated response with the department’s vector monitoring staff working with the AA operator, medical entomologists from Queensland Health and Brisbane City Council.
The site was treated using both fogging and residual surface insecticides. Additional mosquito traps were deployed and monitoring was intensified. Ground surveillance of the site and surrounding area found no evidence that the mosquitoes had established in the environment.
Biosecurity officers also examined several recently imported freight items including a battle tank imported for a museum collection and a trailer boat and found no biosecurity risk.
No further Asian tiger mosquitoes were detected during the enhanced surveillance period, and the response was stood down. The detection highlights the importance of conducting mosquito vector monitoring at the border, which acts as an early warning system.
By intercepting exotic mosquitoes before they can establish locally, DAFF helps protect Australian communities from potentially serious vector-borne diseases and strengthens Australia's biosecurity system.
To find out more about Asian tiger mosquitoes visit Asian tiger mosquito.
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