Project description

Non-native mosquito species are increasingly appearing in Europe. Mosquitoes are brought to new areas primarily through the global transport of goods; new populations can establish themselves under suitable climatic conditions. Alien mosquito species can be "invasive species" if they are proven to lead to changes in the structure and composition of ecosystems and have a detrimental effect on ecosystem services, the human economy and well-being. In the case of alien mosquito species, there is a particular risk that these species could also spread exotic pathogens.

We set up ovitraps ("egg-laying traps") at over 50 locations throughout Austria every year in cooperation with the provincial health directorates, mainly in urban or suburban areas and in places where alien species can be introduced into the country (e.g. motorway service stations). At each location, several traps are set up in places that are as quiet, shady and moist as possible (e.g. in bushes). The traps are checked weekly from May to October and inspected for mosquito eggs.

Results

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has already been detected in all Austrian provinces, and established populations already exist in some places (parts of Vienna and Graz). This species is not only particularly annoying due to its diurnal activity, it is also a possible vector for over 20 different pathogens such as chikungunya virus, dengue virus or dirofilaria. The tiger mosquito is also very adaptable and has increasingly spread throughout Europe. In areas where the Asian tiger mosquito is already established, intensive monitoring and countermeasures involving the population should take place in order to try to decimate the population and prevent or at least slow down further spread. At locations where the tiger mosquito has only occurred sporadically to date, care should be taken to ensure that these locations continue to be monitored. In addition, action plans to combat this species should be drawn up in advance so that the tiger mosquito can be combated quickly.

Another alien mosquito species, the Asian bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus), can now be found in all of Austria's federal states and is particularly widespread in the south. This species is diurnal, likes to bite humans and is also a possible vector for several viruses.

The Korean bush mosquito (Aedes koreicus) was only introduced to Europe relatively recently. So far, it has only been found sporadically in Austria. As the Korean bush mosquito is well adapted to the climatic conditions in Europe and its cold-resistant eggs can survive the winter, this species will probably continue to spread in Austria.

Detailed results are described in the annual reports.

Annual report 2023

Annual report 2022

Annual report 2021

Benefits of the project

This project enables new populations of alien mosquito species to be recognised at an early stage, allowing countermeasures to be taken in good time and the development of existing populations to be monitored. Furthermore, the standardised method used throughout Austria means that the data obtained can be used to record spatial and temporal changes in the occurrence of these mosquito species.