Biting Mosquito Species from the South Found in Germany's Eastern Region: A Sign of Northward Expansion Due to Climate Change
Mosquito breed native to Southern regions identified in Germany for the first time
In an intriguing finding, researchers have discovered the biting mosquito species, Anopheles hycranus, in two locations in eastern Brandenburg. This discovery suggests that the specimen is spreading northward due to climate change, as it's the northernmost occurrence worldwide, and the first ever found in Germany.
Biologist Helge Kampen from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute reported finding 62 specimens of the species in Brandenburg's Oder floodplains. These mosquitoes are typically found in southern regions from the Iberian Peninsula in the west to the Middle East in the east. However, they've been showing up in more northern European countries in recent years, including Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland likely due to human transportation.
Anopheles hycranus prefers warmer climates, and the occurrence of this species in Brandenburg is probably linked to climate change. According to Kampen, the newfound mosquitos are comfortable in the warmer, improving climate of the region.
Although Anopheles hycranus isn't known to be a significant transmitter of pathogens at present, it can potentially transmit malaria pathogens to humans and is considered a potential transmitter of viruses and threadworms (dirofilariasis). While the Asian tiger mosquito, which has been present in Germany for longer, is considered a more dangerous transmitter of pathogens.
The specimens were discovered from August to September 2024. 59 mosquitoes were collected near Quappendorf, and 3 near Zeschdorf, about 25 kilometers away. A team of biologists led by Doreen Werner had set up traps there. Kampen predicts that if traps were set up at the same place this year, more specimens of this species could be found again.
Under the influence of climate change, different mosquito species, including Anopheles hycranus, are moving northward, creating new challenges in disease transmission. While the risk of major diseases like malaria may not be significant in Germany, it's essential to remain vigilant about the presence and potential health risks of such mosquito species.
Tags:- Animals- Science- Climate Change- Disease- Brandenburg
Did You Know?Climate change is facilitating the northward spread of mosquito species by creating more favorable environmental conditions that promote their survival and expansion. Key factors include increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, habitat expansion, and extended breeding seasons. Vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, could become a more significant concern as these mosquito species extend their ranges due to climate change. A pilot project in Uganda is currently exploring the potential of genetically modified mosquitoes to combat malaria transmission.
- In the realm of environmental science, research initiatives are currently exploring the use of genetically modified mosquitoes as a potential solution to combat malaria transmission, especially in light of climate change facilitating the northward expansion of mosquito species.
- While Anopheles hycranus isn't currently known as a significant transmitter of pathogens, it has the potential to transmit malaria pathogens to humans and viruses such as Dirofilariasis, making it a potential health concern as it expands its range due to climate change.
- With the discovery of Anopheles hycranus in eastern Brandenburg, it's apparent that these biting mosquito species are not only found in southern regions but are moving northward due to changes in climate, potentially impacting employment policies in medical-conditions and health-and-wellness sectors, as well as community policies regarding environmental science and health-and-safety protocols.
