Detection of the exotic mosquito Culex gelidus in the Northern Territory

Abstract

The Medical Entomology Branch (MEB) of Territory Health Services (THS) has confirmed the presence of established breeding populations of the exotic mosquito Culex gelidus in the towns of Katherine, Batchelor and Darwin in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia. It is also probably present in Alice Springs. While there are no immediate public health risks, it adds to the number of pest and potential disease vector mosquitoes in the Northern Territory.