Health authorities have detected the world’s most invasive mosquito for the first time on the Australian mainland.
Six Asian tiger mosquitoes, also known as “barbecue stoppers”, were found near Bamaga in far-north Queensland during routine monitoring.
The mosquito is an “aggressive daytime biter” and causes a major risk to humans and livestock, according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
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“Its bite can spread serious diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever and several types of viral infections that can cause swelling to the brain,” the website read.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service said there was no threat to public health, but spraying operations are ongoing on The Cape York Peninsula.
“I think this is the first time that they’re seeing multiple individuals on the mainland and not at an airport or seaport,” University of Sydney biology lecturer Dr Tom Schmidt told the ABC.
“It occasionally comes into Australian airports and seaports, and then those incursions will be eradicated.”
