Accidental importation of the mosquitoAedes albopictusinto the Netherlands: a survey of mosquito distribution and the presence of dengue virus

Abstract

In the summer of 2005, the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) was found for the first time in the Netherlands. It was collected on the premises of several horticultural companies that import the ornamental plant Dracaena sanderiana (Sparagalus: Dracaenaceae [Agavaceae]), known as Lucky bamboo, from southern China, an area endemic for this mosquito species and for arboviruses transmitted by this vector. Here we report the results of a 1-year survey of the distribution and vector status of Ae. albopictus in Lucky bamboo nurseries in the Netherlands (July 2006-June 2007). As it had been established previously that the presence of this species was linked to the import of Lucky bamboo, the survey was conducted only on sites owned by relevant import companies. In total, 569 adult Ae. albopictus were collected with mosquito traps from 15 of the 17 (88%) glasshouses used by Lucky bamboo importers, none of which were found to be infected with dengue virus. On two occasions there was evidence that Ae. albopictus had escaped from the glasshouses, but, overall, there was no evidence that a population had become established in the greenhouses or elsewhere.

A Review of the Invasive Mosquitoes in Europe: Ecology, Public Health Risks, and Control Options

“…The use of insecticides, a reduction in potential breeding sites, and increasing public health awareness in Madeira has thus far not been able to eliminate the re-established population (Almeida et al 2007). For A. albopictus, the use of insecticides in recently-colonized greenhouses in the Netherlands may have contributed to the decline in numbers caught the following year (Scholte et al 2008). Integrated vector management techniques were introduced in an area where A. albopictus are firmly established in Catalonia, Spain, and proved to be successful in reducing the number of eggs in intervention areas compared to control areas (Abramides et al 2011).…”

“…Despite attempts to transport plants in gel as opposed to water, this mosquito continues to be reported at sites using this method of importation (Scholte et al 2008). So far, these populations in Europe have not spread beyond greenhouses, suggesting that these populations are tropical strains (i.e., unable to survive winter temperatures).…”

The molecular physiology of increased egg desiccation resistance during diapause in the invasive mosquito,Aedes albopictus

“…In the last 30 years, A. albopictus has rapidly spread from its native Asian range across the world and is currently found in at least 28 countries on every continent except Australia and Antarctica (Benedict et al 2007). This rapid spread has been accomplished by the worldwide transport of containers such as tyres and pots of 'lucky bamboo' that harbour eggs and/or larvae (Hawley et al 1987;Scholte et al 2008). Recent analyses indicate that there are few countries where A. albopictus could not exist and thus further spread and accompanying public health concern is likely (Benedict et al 2007).…”

Increased detection of Aedes albopictus in Belgium: no overwintering yet, but an intervention strategy is still lacking

“…The use of ovitraps in the Belgian nursery, which was thought to be outcompeted by the high abundance of oviposition sites in a nursery (Scholte et al 2008), …”

“…Repeated introductions of Ae. albopictus occurred in Germany (Becker et al 2013;Kampen et al 2013) and the Netherlands (Scholte et al 2008;; and the species is increasing its distribution northwards (ECDC 2015;Werner and Kampen 2015). Although the colonisation of western and central Europe by Ae.…”