Estimates of public health risks through import of Aedes albopictus via Dracaena's in the Netherlands : Investigation in the establlishment of Aedes albopictus : final report

Between September 2005 and October 2007 studies were done in six horticultural companies in the Netherlands to assess the presence of the exotic Aedes albopictus and to determine whether the species had become established. Adult mosquitoes were sampled with liberty plus carbon dioxide traps. The presence of eggs and larvae was studied by ovitraps and inspection of water collections. It is concluded that the current study did not demonstrate the establishment of Aedes albopictus in or around the companies that were studied. At the same time, over a period of 118 collection weeks the tigermosquito was found on 76 of the 118 weeks, suggesting a very regular introduction of the species from abroad. The frequent introductions are a cause for concern, as theoretically Aedes albopictus can survive in the Netherlands under current climate conditions