Media Release
24 May 2004
Exotic Mosquito Interception at Auckland Port
Exotic mosquito have been found in a used imported concrete mixer at the Port of Auckland by Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry Quarantine staff during a routine inspection.
The species was identified as Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian Tiger mosquito. This species is of particular
concern because not only might it carry the Ross River Virus, it is an excellent vector (transmitter) of Dengue Fever
and Yellow Fever.
The larvae were found on the ship Sochi from Yokohama, Japan, which was carrying mixed cargo to New Zealand. The larvae
were intercepted on Saturday 22nd of May, after the ship had docked in Auckland. The ship has been cleared and left port
to return to Japan.
Ministry of Health Chief Technical Officer for biosecurity (Health) Sally Gilbert said the container where the larvae
were found was immediately treated with Bti, the concrete truck and risk goods were fumigated before release.
"We're confident that these measures would have eradicated any other mosquitoes, but a programme of enhanced
surveillance has also begun, with checking the surrounding area and placing a number of adult and larval mosquito traps
in the vicinity," said Ms Gilbert. . Exotic mosquitoes of public health significance have been intercepted on 27
occasions since January 1998.
Ms Gilbert said it was of particular concern to find yellow fever mosquito because of the implications it would hold for
public health should it become established in New Zealand.
Background:
Mosquitoes go through four separate and distinct stages of its life cycle: Egg, Larva, Pupa (resting stage), and Adult.
The larvae found most recently were second and third instar larvae. This means that it is unlikely that any adults had
the chance to develop and fly away.
Exotic mosquitoes of public health significance have been intercepted on 27 previous occasions since January 1998.
Exotic mosquitoes are most likely to enter New Zealand by way of: Being lodged in deck cargo on international ships
Breeding in water storage and open containers on fishing boats and yachts Breeding or attached to used tyres Breeding in
cavities and containers on used vehicles, used machinery and other imported goods.
MAF Quarantine Service staff are the first line of defence in the search for exotic organisms on imported goods. Public
health staff carry out routine surveillance for mosquitoes and respond to interceptions of exotic mosquitoes.
Biosecurity agencies ask that cargo handlers and members of the public who note anything unusual on imported goods to
"see it, contain it and report it''. This message is actively promoted by the biosecurity awareness programme, Protect
New Zealand.
This could mean closing off the vehicle, container, package or room, and reporting it to the MAF exotic pest hotline
0800 809 966.
ENDS