Austria-wide monitoring for the detection of alien mosquito species
Non-native m osquitospecies (mosquitoes) are increasingly appearing in Europe. Mosquitoes are brought to new areas primarily through the global transport of goods; new populations can establish themselves under suitable climatic conditions. Alien mosquito species can be "invasive species" if they are proven to lead to changes in the structure and composition of ecosystems and have a detrimental effect on ecosystem services, the human economy and well-being. In the case of alien mosquito species, there is a particular risk that these species could also spread exotic pathogens.
Every year, we set up ovitraps ("egg-laying traps") at over 60 locations throughout Austria in cooperation with the provincial health directorates, mainly in urban or suburban areas and in places where alien species can be introduced into the country (e.g. motorway service stations). At each location, several traps are set up in places that are as quiet, shady and moist as possible (e.g. in bushes). The traps are checked weekly from May to October and examined for gel eggs.
Ovitrap monitoring of alien mosquito species in Austria: annual report 2024
Ovitrap monitoring of alien mosquito species in Austria: Annual report 2023
Ovitrap monitoring of alien mosquito species in Austria: Annual report 2022
Ovitrap monitoring of alien mosquito species in Austria: Annual report 2021
To obtain a better overview of the situation of alien species in Austria, the data from the Ovitrap project are linked with the data from the citizen science project Mosquito-Alert.
One-Health surveillance and monitoring of vectors for pathogens
Ticks and mosquitoes can transmit infectious diseases as vectors. In the SURVector project, we are setting up a nationwide mosquito and tick monitoring programme. The aim of the project is to set up one-health surveillance for emerging pathogens, in which vectors are collected and analysed for relevant pathogens.
This project focuses on West Nile viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, among others. The project activities include the Austria-wide collection and sampling of vectors (disease vectors), species identification and pathogen screening, the expansion of capacities in the laboratories and the establishment of a national vector database for the joint utilisation of vector data. The aim is to recognise the entry of new vector species and new pathogens into Austria at an earlier stage and to continuously monitor the geographical spread of vectors and pathogens already present in the country.
From 2025, the mosquitoes caught in this monitoring programme will be tested for other pathogens as part of the RAISE project.
Mink monitoring programme at Vienna-Schwechat Airport
AGES has been conducting a mosquito monitoring programme at Vienna-Schwechat Airport since 2018, as airports and ports represent a potential point of entry for alien mosquitoes. It is therefore recommended by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), among others, to carry out mosquito monitoring programmes at airports. These programmes can record whether exotic mosquito species are being introduced. If necessary, countermeasures can be taken quickly to prevent the further spread of these species. Particular attention is paid to the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which has already spread massively in Europe in recent years and is a potential vector for a large number of pathogens.
Last updated: 01.08.2025
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