Port of Hamburg initiates mosquito surveillance efforts
In an effort to safeguard the city from potential invasive species, the Institute of Hygiene and Environment (HU) and the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) have launched a project to monitor exotic biting midge species in the Port of Hamburg.
During a ship's journey from South America via Western Africa to Hamburg, exotic genera of biting midges, specifically "Aedes" and "Anopheles", were discovered. However, the exact species of the midges and the location of the insect traps on the ship remain unspecified.
The monitoring activity aims to detect potential introductions or spreads of exotic midges and enable timely countermeasures. This underscores the risk of a potential introduction of exotic biting midge species through shipping, particularly through used car tires, plants, and other freight containers.
The Port of Hamburg, serving as a logistics hub and real-life laboratory for innovations, is no stranger to such initiatives. In previous monitoring activities in the city, only native species of biting midges were identified.
The midge monitoring project will run until the end of October, with midge traps set up at four strategic points in the port. Captured insects will be examined at the BNITM to determine the biting midge species and test for possible pathogens.
Meanwhile, an survey indicates a slight improvement in the mood within the maritime industry. On a different note, the Asian tiger mosquito has reached Germany and established itself in parts of southern Germany and Berlin, but has not yet been sighted in Hamburg.
For more information about the midge monitoring project, visit hamburg.de. Additionally, Hamburg is participating in the "ESI-CorA" project for wastewater monitoring. The city is also hosting the "Business & Health Day 2023" event, further demonstrating its commitment to public health and innovation.
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