A sting from an unidentified mosquito has proven to be quite deadly for livestock in Pekanbaru, Indonesia. According to Askardiya Ribudana Patrianov, head of Riau Province’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health, “tens of livestock” have died since the attacks began in December, 2009.
According to reports, sheep, cattle and chickens have died after being stung by the unidentified species. Humans have also been stung although no human fatalities have been reported.
Although the mosquitoes are similar in size to other mosquitoes, these particular mosquitoes have white heads and attack only at night. One local resident reported the mosquitoes are very sticky and are not easily removed. The insects also seem to appear after flooding has occurred. While farmers have used mosquito netting to protect their livestock, the protective measures have so far been unsuccessful.
The mosquitoes are currently being studied in the laboratory.
Mosquito photo CDC James Gathany
I have no trouble believing this. I might have lost my left arm in ’68 or 9 from two mosquito bites that went septic, gave me a fever, and required antibiotics to overcome. If there is one species that every other species would dream about being seriously endangered, it must be the mosquito. It is a very nasty machine ! Maybe it could go the way of the Tsetsi fly ?
Theres a reason why certain animals exists, and one of the beneficial results of parasites is for population control.