Abstract
In late August and early September 2009, numerous larvae, pupae, and actively flying adult specimens of Ochlerotatus atropalpus were discovered in the Province of Brabant, southern Netherlands, during surveillance activities for Aedes albopictus at two trading companies that import used tires. No Ae. albopictus were found. Both companies mainly import used tires from countries in Europe, but also from North America. Oc. atropalpus is endemic to North America and has so far only been found outside of its endemic range in Europe, namely France and Italy, where it was subsequently eradicated. A preliminary modelling study shows that the weather conditions in the Netherlands are unlikely to prevent establishment of Oc. atropalpus. This species has so far only been shown to serve as a vector for virus transmission under laboratory conditions. Studies on potential human and veterinary health risks, as well as possible control strategies are currently ongoing.
Highlights
Following the discovery in 2005 of Aedes albopictus in the Netherlands at greenhouses of companies that import Lucky bamboo [1], surveillance activities to monitor this mosquito species were initiated
Other national surveillance activities for this mosquito species were established, including passive surveillance and active surveillance at parking lots along principle highways entering the country from the south and east
The latter surveillance activity was initiated after reports of Ae. albopictus eggs found at parking lots in France, southern Germany, and Switzerland [3]
Summary
Following the discovery in 2005 of Aedes albopictus in the Netherlands at greenhouses of companies that import Lucky bamboo [1], surveillance activities to monitor this mosquito species were initiated. Other national surveillance activities for this mosquito species were established, including passive surveillance (since 2007) and active surveillance at parking lots along principle highways entering the country from the south and east (since 2008). The latter surveillance activity was initiated after reports of Ae. albopictus eggs found at parking lots in France, southern Germany, and Switzerland [3]. Except for the passive surveillance all Ae. albopictus surveillance activities are national surveys, carried out by the Plant Protection Service and funded by the Ministry of Public Health, Welfare, and Sports (Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport, VWS)
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