Public health pests
Public health pests are animals (vertebrate or invertebrate) which are a public health nuisance or are known to transport an infectious agent that constitutes a public health risk. Common examples include mosquitoes, rodents, ticks, and bed bugs.
In this section
- Most of the world’s mosquitoes are not considered to be of public health significance in New Zealand. However, a number of species are vectors with the potential to carry or transmit human diseases, and these mosquitoes are on the Unwanted Organisms Register. Read more
- Humans and rodents live in the same environment, and rats are the sources and reservoirs of many zoonotic infections. They can be vectors for bacterial, rickettsial, viral, parasitic and mycotic infections, making them a public health threat. Read more
- Three species of spider should be avoided in New Zealand: the katipo, the redback and the white-tailed spider. Only the katipo and redback are venomous, and a safe and effective anti-venom is available for both. White-tailed spider bites are not considered poisonous to humans. Read more
Page last updated: 05 December 2011
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