As part of the ongoing mosquito monitoring program, an egg from the Asian tiger mosquito was detected for the first time this week in a trap in the Balzers industrial area. To determine whether this is an isolated finding or whether a local population has already developed, additional traps will be installed in the coming days.  At the same time, potential breeding grounds are treated with the biological agent Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), which specifically targets mosquito larvae.

Efforts are being made to control the tiger mosquito because it can spread rapidly and transmit various pathogens. Early containment helps prevent its establishment and further spread.

The Office of Forests, Nature, and Agriculture asks businesses and residents in the industrial area to avoid standing water outdoors as much as possible. Containers and other objects in which water can collect should be completely emptied or dried out at least once a week. As a precautionary measure, the Office is treating permanent water sources, such as storm drains, with Bti.

The additional monitoring measures will be evaluated in the coming weeks. As soon as reliable data on the spread of the tiger mosquito in the area is available—expected in October—the Office of Forests, Nature, and Agriculture will issue another update. There is currently no danger to people in the industrial area. The tiger mosquito can only transmit diseases if it has previously ingested the relevant pathogens. Such pathogens are not currently circulating in Liechtenstein.

Contact:
Office for Forests, Nature, and Agriculture
Oliver Müller, Nature and Landscape Division
T +423 236 64 09
oliver.mueller@llv.li