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Asian tiger mosquito found in the UK
asian tiger mosquito
Aedes albopictus, is a known vector for zika, dengue and chikungunya virus.
Species is a known vector for tropical diseases

Asian tiger mosquito eggs have been discovered in the UK for the first time, Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed. The mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a known vector for zika, dengue and chikungunya virus.

PHE said a small number of eggs were found in one trap in Kent during routine surveillance. Enhanced monitoring was put in place in the area but no further evidence of the mosquito has been found so far.

In a statement, it said: "There is currently no risk to public health in the UK."

As a precaution, the local authority was advised to use insecticide as a method of control. PHE will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Aedes albopictus has achieved widespread global distribution as a result of human activities, such as the movement of tyres.

Last year, a report by PHE scientists in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal suggested warmer temperatures in the UK could provide favourable conditions for various mosquitos to breed. PHE began monitoring places where the insects lay eggs, such as used tyres.

 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.