Abstract: Germany´s capital city Berlin had been considered too far north for invasive species like Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito). However, since 2021 there has been evidence on established populations of the tiger mosquito in the outskirts of the city. During a meeting of the health authorities it was decided to start a simple mosquito monitoring programme. This decision was confirmed in July 2024 by a political appointment from the government of the federal state of Berlin, putting the Health Authority of Central Berlin in charge of the monitoring for the entire federal state.
The monitoring programme consists of a passive collection of information (citizens´science) and of an active search for mosquitoes in specific areas.
The main goal is to verify the reports on tiger mosquito and to monitor the sites where tiger mosquito has been identified, in order to assess the distribution of tiger mosquito in the city. In collaboration with Robert Koch-Institute (national public health authority in Germany), found samples can be tested for pathogens.
The mosquitoes are collected using BG Pro and BG GAT traps, with carbon dioxide and other attractants, without light. The specimens are identified using the AI diagnostic entomology system (IDx) by Vectech.
Since the beginning of the programme one year ago, tiger mosquito was identified in four city districts (out of twelve). There has been no evidence neither on pathogens, nor on autochthone human or animal infection cases yet.
