Dryness stops mosquito flood in the north: What does we expect this summer?
Dryness stops mosquito flood in the north: What does we expect this summer?
Greifswald, Deutschland - In northern Germany, an unusually low mosquito population is emerging this year. According to the biologist Elke Reinking from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (Fli) in Greifswald, the dry weather conditions is a decisive factor. The insects support high temperatures, but there is a lack of suitable water surfaces that are necessary for the development of the mosquito eggs. Carsten Pusch, deputy state chairman of the Nature Conservation Association (NABU) in Schleswig-Holstein, also stated that only a few mosquitoes have been spotted this year so far.
The increase in mosquitoes depends heavily on weather conditions. In ideal circumstances, mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs within two to three weeks and emerge the new generation. However, the forecasts for the future mosquito population are difficult and speculative because they depend on both heat and moisture. Due to the current drought, it could be that the summer remains low in mosquitos, which the region has so far delighted.
The threat from new species
In recent years, some exotic mosquito mosquitoes and various viruses have appeared in Germany. In particular, the Asian tiger mosquito attracts attention, since it can transmit tropical pathogens such as dengue, zika and chikungunya virus. So far, this species has mainly been observed in southwestern Germany, while there are no reports in Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Nevertheless, there is concern that the Asian tiger mosquito could also spread in these regions, especially in view of the climate change that favors the settlement of such species.
In addition, the West Nil virus, which affects birds and horses, was also found in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania last year. Reinking expressed the expectation that the West Nil virus could be made again this year. Therefore, she recommends horse owners in affected regions to vaccinate their animals.monitoring and education
The LGL Bayern emphasizes that non -regional mosquito species such as the Asian tiger mosquito get to Germany through international trade and tourism. In order to monitor these threatening ways, targeted mosquito monitoring in Bavaria will start in 2024, supported by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention. Monitoring measures are carried out for early discovery of new populations at four locations where Asian tiger mosquitoes were viewed.
The population is actively invited to help monitoring by submitting messages about the sightings of mosquitoes. This is part of a more comprehensive strategy to avoid breeding grounds and to protect against infectious diseases, which can be transmitted by mosquitoes. Informative materials are developed and made available to the public to raise awareness of the dangers and the correct use of these insects.
The location remains dynamic, and while the dry conditions initially contain the mosquito population, it remains to be seen how the weather will develop in the further course of the year and what effects this could have on the mosquitoes and the associated health risks.
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| Ort | Greifswald, Deutschland |
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