General Information - Asian Tiger Mosquito

Background on the Mosquito

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is historically a mosquito of the forests of Southeast Asia, breeding in water collecting in tree-holes. However, colonisation of human-made containers enabled its expansion into urban areas. The ability to lay eggs above the water level where they can withstand dry periods and hatch many months later, coupled with the global trade in used tyres, has enabled Aedes albopictus to travel to new locations and become established on new continents.

Aedes albopictus was first recorded in the United States in 1985, and it has since become established in over 25 states, as well as on many Caribbean islands, and in parts of Central and South America, Africa and Australasia.

It was first reported in Europe in 1979 in Albania, and later in Italy in 1990, where the mosquito is now established, and part of the local fauna. More recently, the mosquito has been recorded, but has not necessarily become established, in France (1999), Belgium (2000), Montenegro (2001), Israel (2002), Switzerland (2003) and Spain (2004). There have been no records from the UK.

Aedes albopictus is a competent vector of a number of arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses) under experimental conditions, with several arboviruses isolated from this mosquito in the US. In parts of Asia, it is also implicated as a vector of dengue. If this mosquito were to become established in the UK it seems unlikely that transmission of many of these viruses would occur, as for instance, the current climate is considered to be too cold for dengue transmission. However, the ability for this mosquito to become involved in the transmission of viruses and Dirofilaria nematodes in more temperate zones in North America suggest that a precautionary approach is required; as is the need for continued monitoring of the spread of this mosquito and its role as a vector of disease.

The HPA is monitoring the current movement of this mosquito, in consultation with European and International colleagues. Climatic analysis carried out by the HPA suggests that the mosquito could become established in parts of the UK, but the public health risk posed by this mosquito currently remains low.

In collaboration with the UK's National Pest Advisory Panel (part of the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health), the HPA have established a mosquito recording scheme ('Mosquito Watch') to encourage Environmental Health Officers and amateur entomologists to record sightings of nuisance biting mosquitoes. This initiative is primarily to update current maps of endemic British mosquitoes, as well as reporting the existence of exotic species.