The Asian tiger mosquito has been identified at seven locations in the Netherlands and efforts are underway to eradicate it, government safety experts said on Wednesday.

The mosquito, which can carry dangerous diseases such as yellow fever, has been identified at used tyre import companies in Oss, Weert, Montfort, Almere, Lelystad, Emmeloord and Harderberg, the NVWA inspectorate said in a statement.

The European centre for infectious diseases said earlier this year the tiger mosquito, an aggressive, day-time biting mosquito which can transmit some 20 viruses and parasites, had made its home in the Netherlands, but that was denied at the time by local officials.

Imports

The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a native of south east Asia and is thought to spread via bamboo plant imports and on car tyres.

Dengue fever, yellow fever and encephalitis are among the diseases it spreads. However, none of the mosquitos found in the Netherlands have been carrying disease, the NVWA said.

‘Preventative measures’ are now being taken to make sure the mosquito does not become established in the Netherlands, the organisation said. Locals living close to the affected areas are being informed and the clean-up process will take several months.

The organisation said the ‘substance’ used to kill the insects wipes out both adults and larvae but does not give further details.