KEY POINTS:
Biosecurity workers have set traps for exotic mosquitos around Shed 8 at Auckland's port complex after finding what is thought to be an adult male Asian tiger mosquito.
The area where the suspect mosquito was found is where a number of Pacific trading vessels dock and load and unload risk goods -- it has been the site of several of the previous 57 interceptions of exotic mosquitos.
John Gardner, a senior adviser on biosecurity at the Health Ministry, last night said confirmation of the species should be available from Australia today.
This mosquito species is found in Asia and some Pacific islands and has become established in the United States, Brazil, Argentina and Europe.
It can spread a wide range of debilitating diseases, including dengue fever, japanese encephalitis virus, west nile virus, and yellow fever.
If it became established in New Zealand, the mosquito could spread these diseases from any infected travellers who came here, and establish a reservoir of the virus in animals, birds and frogs.
Health, and agriculture officials are working with ports and city council staff to trap in a radius of 400m around where the insect was found, with council staff moving traps to Quay Street, outside the port boundary.
The mosquito has a flight span of less than 200m.
"If people are bitten by mosquitoes or see unusual mosquito activity around the port, please call 0800 MOZZIE," Mr Gardner said.
- NZPA
