Rising numbers of hazardous mosquito species observed in Bavaria - Health Minister issues urgent plea
Asian Tiger Mosquito Expansion in Bavaria: Authorities Take Action
The Asian Tiger mosquito, a tropical species, is spreading throughout Bavaria, raising concerns among health officials. The Free State is now implementing measures to contain the dangerous insect.
Erlangen, Bavaria - While weather experts express concerns over the region's dry spring, the conditions may prove beneficial in containing the mosquito population. According to the Bavarian Environment Agency, spring and summer weather conditions play a significant role in mosquito development. However, one thing is undeniable: the Asian Tiger mosquito is spreading in Bavaria.
Furth, a city in Bavaria, has already reported an established population of the Tiger mosquito, according to the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL) in Erlangen. Additional populations have been identified in Munich and Würzburg. In 2023 alone, tiger mosquitoes were found in 17 city and rural districts compared to ten in 2022.
The LGL plans to rely on a mosquito monitoring system in 2025. Experts will set mosquito traps in Nuremberg, Passau, Rosenheim, Memmingen, and Schweinfurt.
The black and white striped Tiger mosquito initially reached southern Europe via goods and passenger transport and has been spreading since. It was first detected in Bavaria in 2012 and with climate change, it is increasingly finding favorable conditions for settlement in the region.
The Tiger mosquito, unlike many native mosquitoes, is active during the day and aggressive. It has the potential to transmit viruses such as West Nile, dengue, and Zika. Although the risk of disease transmission in Bavaria is currently considered low, experts warn that as the Tiger mosquito spreads, particularly if stable populations are formed, the risk increases.
Furth and Munich have set up monitoring systems to monitor the spread. In Furth, this focus is on the southern part of the city, while in Munich, traps are distributed at various locations throughout the city. The aim is to slow down the further spread as much as possible, with raising public awareness being a key point. The population is encouraged to eliminate potential breeding sites at home.
The Bavarian Health Minister, Judith Gerlach (CSU), emphasizes the importance of individual action, stating that anyone can contribute to preventing the spread of mosquitoes. Making sure rain barrels are covered and emptying water accumulations in watering cans and plant pots regularly can help.
Investigations are currently underway in Würzburg to determine if a population has established itself after several Tiger mosquitoes were found in recent years. The use of control measures will only be determined after further investigations.
In Fürth, control measures, including insecticides, are being implemented around kindergartens, playgrounds, schools, and nursing homes, as well as the sewage system. In smaller gardens, residential areas, and on company premises, the city will not be actively involved, with residents asked to remove potential breeding sites themselves.
Bavaria is not new to mosquito-borne diseases. In recent years, there have been German-transmitted cases of West Nile virus and Usutu virus, reminding residents of the importance of taking precautions against mosquito populations.
This expanding mosquito population underscores the need for vigilance and action. By taking steps to eliminate breeding sites and stay informed, residents can help protect themselves and their communities from potential health risks. (jr/dpa)
The Asian Tiger mosquito, a tropical species, is expanding its presence not only in Bavaria but also in cities such as Furth, Munich, and Würzburg, presenting a significant challenge for environmental-science and health-and-wellness authorities. As the Tiger mosquito is known to be capable of transmitting viruses such as West Nile, dengue, and Zika, efforts to monitor its development and implement control measures become crucial for science-based approaches to ensure public health.
