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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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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.