In Europe, defences rise against Asian mosquito peril

MONTPELLIER, France (AFP) - Behind air-tight doors in a lab in a southern French city, scientists in protective coveralls wage war against a fingernail-sized danger.

Lurking in net cages is their foe: the Asian tiger mosquito, capable of spreading dengue fever and other tropical diseases in temperate Europe.

First spotted in Albania in 1979, the black-and-white striped invader has gained a foothold on Europe's Mediterranean rim and is advancing north and west, according to captors' reports.

Colonies are established in 20 European countries, in moderate climes as far north as Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.