The discovery of six Asian tiger mosquitos on a farm in Queensland has marked the first time the invasive ‘super pest’ has been detected in Australia.
The worrying discovery was made during routine monitoring near Bamaga in Far North Queensland and has sparked an urgent warning from health authorities.
Officers will launch spraying operations across the Cape York Peninsula in an effort to wipe out the mosquitos, which can inflict a painful bite.
Aussies are being urged to reduce standing water around homes, wear protective clothing and use insect repellent to help stop the pest from spreading.
The species is native to Southeast Asia but have since spread to parts of Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Pacific, mostly due to international travel.
The Asian tiger mosquito is a small, black mosquito with distinctive white stripes, including a single white line running down its back.
The species is known for being particularly aggressive and is active during the day, often delivering a painful bite.
Worryingly, the mosquitoes can also carry and transmit viral diseases such as dengue fever, Zika and chikungunya.
The discovery of six Asian tiger mosquitos on a farm in Queensland has marked the first time the invasive ‘super pest’ has been detected in Australia (stock(
The worrying discovery was made during routine monitoring near Bamaga in Far North Queensland (pictured) and has sparked an urgent warning from health authorities
University of Sydney insect expert Tom Schmidt said he was surprised it was the first time the mosquitoes had been detected on mainland Australia.
‘I think this is the first time that they’re seeing multiple individuals on the mainland and not at an airport or seaport,’ he told the ABC.
‘It occasionally comes into Australian airports and seaports, and then those incursions will be eradicated.’
The mosquitoes have been detected in the Torres Strait since the mid-2000s.
However, any sightings on the mainland are treated as a serious biosecurity concern due to fears of disease and that the species will establish permanent populations.
The mosquitoes most likely entered Australia as eggs or larvae in cargo capable of holding water such as tyres, machinery, bulk steel and yachts, according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
The eggs – which are highly resilient and can survive in dry conditions for months – are also regularly found on imported lucky bamboo.
If Australians see an Asian tiger mosquito, they are urged to try contain the insect if possible and report the sighting to DAFF.
