Aggressive Mosquito Variety Spreads across Germany
Mosquito Heatseeker on the Move: Anopheles hyrcanus Expands its Reach in Europe
A previously uncharted mosquito species has made its way to Germany, with Brandenburg marking its presence for the first time. The warmth-loving Anopheles hyrcanus is believed to be migrating northwards due to the effects of climate change. This latest discovery follows the increasing sightings of the Asian tiger mosquito in Franconia, another potentially dangerous species that thrives in warmer temperatures.
Experts urge caution as the spread of this species could lead to the transmission of diseases like the West Nile virus. Originally from the Mediterranean region, Anopheles hyrcanus is well-established in countries like Italy, Greece, Spain, and Turkey. Helge Kampen from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) states that the find in Brandenburg is "the most northern record" of this species globally, pointing to the significant shift in its distribution due to rising temperatures.
Pushing Boundaries: Anopheles hyrcanus in Brandenburg
Also known in Asia, Anopheles hyrcanus has been detected in countries like China, India, South Korea, and Japan. In Europe, it has primarily been found along the Mediterranean coast, where the climatic conditions are more conducive. Surprisingly, recent findings in southern Poland and now Brandenburg indicate a rapid expansion in its range.
A team led by biologist Doreen Werner from the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (Zalf) discovered a total of 62 specimens of Anopheles hyrcanus in flooding areas of the Oder. Confirmation came from Helge Kampen of the FLI, further affirming its presence in Germany. The specimens were collected from August to September 2024, with the majority found at Quappendorf and a few more near Zeschdorf in the Oderbruch (Märkisch-Oderland district).
Day and Night - The Persistent Mosquito
Anopheles hyrcanus belongs to the Anopheles genus, better known as malaria mosquitoes. Active both day and night, they have a knack for adapting to different climates. While they have played a minor role as disease transmitters in Europe due to the successful eradication of malaria, they could potentially become a greater concern due to climate change.
The ideal habitats for these mosquitoes are wetland areas, especially those with standing or slow-moving waters. The regular flooding along the Oder offers an ideal setting for the growth of Anopheles hyrcanus in Brandenburg, Germany.
With climate change altering the game, experts are bracing for a potential shift in mosquito distributions and associated health risks. While Anopheles hyrcanus is not currently the primary concern, increased vigilance and preparedness may be necessary to manage its potential impact on public health, ecology, and local economies.
- Given the rapid expansion of Anopheles hyrcanus in Europe, experts are warning of potential health risks associated with climate change, as this previously Mediterranean species now poses a challenge in cooler regions like Brandenburg, Germany.
- As the distribution of Anopheles hyrcanus seems to be altering due to climate change, its impact on public health, ecology, and local economies could become a significant concern, with the species increasingly found in unexpected regions such as southern Poland and Brandenburg.
