The dengue mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is not established in the Northern Territory. The detection of Aedes aegypti in Tennant Creek, in February 2021 triggered an ongoing elimination campaign. Initial surveys confirmed its presence throughout the town, prompting intensive control efforts.
The campaign follows protocols developed during previous successful elimination programs in the NT, involving property inspections, multiple treatment rounds, and a requirement of one wet season without detections before elimination can be declared. Control methods include source reduction, insecticide application and chlorine/detergent treatments to destroy eggs. Adult trapping was also deployed to locate breeding sites. Transport hubs were inspected regularly to mitigate the risk of further dispersal.
The program continues to face environmental and anthropogenic challenges. Tennant Creek received above average rainfall from 2022 to 2024, complicating elimination efforts. Receptacle reduction efforts in the community have encountered challenges with engagement and participation. Rainfall was below average in early 2025 and the outlook suggests dryer and warmer conditions will persist through to May 2025. This presentation details the suppression and elimination methods used to restore the NT’s dengue-free status and the challenges encountered.