The ‘Tiger’ on our doorstep: emergence of Aedes albopictus as an arbovirus vector in northern Australia

Abstract

Aedes albopictus is commonly referred to as the ‘Asian Tiger Mosquito’, a name that describes its distinctive black and white banding and its origins in Southeast Asian rainforests. This highly invasive species is a competent vector of dengue viruses (DENVs) and was the primary vector during the recent resurgence of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in the islands of the western Indian Ocean. Ae. albopictus is also a vicious biter and can transmit dog heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, between dogs. In the last 30 years, it has colonised many parts of Europe, North and South America and Africa. Until recently, Australia had been spared infestation by Ae. albopictus. However, widespread populations were discovered in the Torres Strait in 2005 and genetic analysis suggested that it had been repeatedly introduced from the New Guinea landmass [N.W. Beebe, L.A. Hill and A.F. van den Hurk, unpublished data]. Should Ae. albopictus become established on the mainland, it has the potential to colonise much of coastal Australia, including southern areas, thus rendering them receptive to possible DENV and CHIKV transmission.