"Moving North" - Anopheles hycranus Mosquitoes on the Prowl in Brandenburg, Germany
Initial discovery of a southern mosquito species in Germany
Anopheles hycranus, a species of mosquito native to southern regions, has infiltrated Brandenburg, a region in eastern Germany. This development points towards a likely northward migration as a result of global warming. Over 60 specimens of this venomous insect have been discovered in two locations in the Oder floodplains, according to Helge Kampen, a biologist from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute.
These tiny intruders were uncovered by a team surrounding mosquito researcher Doreen Werner at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (Zalf) in Müncheberg. These findings mark the northernmost occurrences worldwide and the first ever detected in Germany, according to Kampen. The presence of this temperature-loving species appears to be linked to climate change - a clear indication of its growing comfort levels in this new environment.
In the past, Anopheles hycranus has been spotted in Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland. However, its expansion into Germany is particularly noteworthy. While it is believed that humans have likely transported the mosquito, Kampen does not see it as an immediate threat, stating that it isn't a major transmitter of disease-causing agents at present. But this doesn't mean it's harmless.
So, what should we be worried about? Well, this mosquito species theoretically carries the potential to transmit malaria pathogens, much like other Anopheles species already present in Germany. However, for it to do so, the mosquito would have to first infect itself with someone who has recently returned from a tropical holiday and carries malaria pathogens.
There's more to the potential threats looming with Anopheles hycranus: it could also transmit viruses and worms (dirofilariasis). While it may not be as dangerous as the Asian tiger mosquito currently residing in Germany, it's still a cause for concern that requires our vigilant attention.
This troubling discovery was made between August and September 2024. A total of 59 mosquitoes were collected near Quappendorf, with 3 more found approximately 25 kilometers away in Zeschdorf, in the Oderbruch district of Märkisch-Oderland. Given the evidence gathered, Kampen expressed confidence that specimens of this species could be caught again if traps were set up at the same locations this year.
All in all, while Anopheles hycranus has not yet proven to be a major health risk, the potential health hazards associated with the expansion of its range and climate change necessitate our cautious watch.
- Animals
- Science
- Brandenburg
- Climate Change
- Disease
Further Reading
- Malaria: A serious disease caused by parasites transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. Learn more about its symptoms, prevention, and treatment here.
- Mosquito Control: Discover the importance of mosquito control, the different methods employed, and the role of public health in ensuring a safer environment.
- Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases: Explore the ways in which climate change influences the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, and how we can combat their spread with the help of science and technology.
- The discovery of Anopheles hycranus mosquitoes in Brandenburg, Germany, suggests a potential expansion of their habitat due to climate change, raising concerns about the possible transmission of diseases such as malaria, viruses, and worms (dirofilariasis) in this region.
- With the increasing prevalence of mosquitoes like Anopheles hycranus, a species native to southern regions, it is crucial to revisit and update community policies on health and wellness, including employment policies that manage staff working in regions affected by vector-borne diseases.
- As the northward migration of Anopheles hycranus mosquitoes becomes a reality under the influence of climate change, environmental science plays a vital role in understanding the ecological impact and predicting the future distribution of these species to inform appropriate action and mitigation strategies.
