Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to prevent the spread of invasive non-native mosquito species, including the Asian Tiger mosquito.

The government recognises the threats posed by invasive non-native species. As part of our comprehensive Great Britain Non-native Species Strategy, we carry out horizon-scanning for new invasive non-native species likely to pose a significant risk if they arrive in the UK. We implement stringent biosecurity measures to prevent their arrival and take action to respond to sightings and rapidly eradicate new invaders where feasible.

There are several invasive non-native mosquito species that are spreading in Europe. The Asian tiger mosquito and closely related yellow fever mosquito are two of the key species that, as well as causing significant nuisance to the public, are vectors for serious diseases, such as Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika.

Public Health England has run a surveillance system for invasive mosquitoes since 2010. This includes surveillance at more than 30 United Kingdom sea and airports, at the largest used tyre importers, and at motorway service stations in south east England on the main routes from the south coast ferry ports and Eurotunnel. The surveillance combines a number of traps that detect mosquito eggs, host-seeking and blood-fed mosquitoes and larval sampling. Any findings are followed up with local authorities and appropriate control measures instituted.