Asian Tiger Mosquito

The Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has been identified by the Health Protection Agency as an insect that could potentially arrive in the UK. If this were to happen and if the mosquito became established, then it could cause a greater biting nuisance and may become involved in the transmission of disease.

To date there have been no confirmed reports of the mosquito in the UK and the public health risk remains low. Suspected sightings occur every summer, but thus far have always been identified as the endemic species Culiseta annulata.

However, to gain a better understanding of the incidence of mosquitoes biting humans in the UK and identify the species involved, the Agency and the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health have established a mosquito recording scheme called 'Mosquito Watch'.

For information on this programme and details of where to send samples please use this link: http://www.cieh-npap.org/policy.asp

Photo: CDC