Exotic Aedes mosquitoes: onshore detection and elimination in Darwin, Northern Territory

Abstract

The Medical Entomology Branch (MEB) of Territory Health Services (THS) and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) both have coordinated and separate programs to detect and eliminate exotic mosquitoes imported into Darwin. AQIS searches all overseas vessels and cargo for exotic mosquitoes and conducts elimination procedures on positive or potential receptacles on vessels or within 400 m of a port area. Both AQIS and MEB operate egg traps (ovitrap) detection programs continuously in the Darwin Port area. The ovitraps are checked regularly for eggs and larvae, and eggs are reared to late instar larvae for identification. The AQIS onshore program is inside a 400m area of port facilities while the MEB programs are within port areas, in nearby suburban and industrial areas, as well as in other vulnerable sites for importation or establishment throughout Darwin.