3 December 2007
Fresh Southern Salt Marsh Mosquito Find in Marlborough
There has been a further find of southern salt marsh mosquito larvae in the Wairau area, says the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s biosecurity agency, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ).
A single larvae was found last week in the area already being treated to eradicate the mosquitoes. It has now been confirmed by Australian mosquito experts as southern salt marsh mosquito.
MAFBNZ Incursion Manager David Yard says the find is not a new outbreak or incursion. The larvae was found in a ditch that had been regularly treated with S-methoprene granules in an area close to where previous finds were made in September.
The larvae was detected during routine surveillance by MAFBNZ’s new eradication contractors – Flybusters Insect Control and AsureQuality – who started work in the area on 1 October.
“The new find is not unexpected and it’s good to confirm that our surveillance systems are working as they should,” says Mr Yard.
“As a result of treatment, the larva was never going to develop into an adult, but it suggests there are still active egg banks around and reinforces the need to be vigilant,” says Mr Yard.
As with some of other recent finds, the latest mosquito appearance appears to be linked to water from irrigation. Southern salt marsh mosquitoes rely on rising water levels to hatch their eggs, which experts believe can survive more than a year.
He says Flybusters Insect Control and AsureQuality are working with landowners to ensure that the eradication programme remains on track.
“We’re asking all landowners to get in touch with us if they have any irrigation plans for the treatment area so that we can ensure that all drainage ditches that are holding water receive the necessary surveillance and treatment.”
For further information, please contact:
William Minchin, Senior Communications Adviser, Ph 04 894 0164 or 029 894 0164
