3 Key Reasons Why Your City Should Implement a Mosquito Management Program
As we confront the increasing shifting of mosquito populations due to the impacts of climate change and global trade, the need for effective mosquito management has never been more crucial. Here are the top three reasons why your city needs a mosquito management program, and how Vectech can help mitigate the elevated risks posed by these changing ecological dynamics.
1. Stop the Spread of Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Certain mosquito species transmit viruses like West Nile, dengue, and Zika, and parasites like malaria.¹ The Centers for Disease Control state that “West Nile virus is one of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in the continental United States. Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus outbreaks have occurred in US states and territories, including Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.”² As of June 26, 2023, the CDC has detected autochthonous malaria transmission cases (P. vivax) in two U.S. states, namely Florida (4 cases) and Texas (1 case), during the past two months. There has been heightened concern regarding the possibility of an upsurge in imported malaria cases due to escalated international travel throughout the summer of 2023. ³ Many city, county, and state public health agencies and professionals monitor and track mosquito populations and the pathogens they may carry as a measure of risk. Acting swiftly when invasive, infected, or highly competent vector mosquito species are found can prevent further spread of disease and increase public health and safety. Vectech works with public health organizations around the world to establish mosquito monitoring programs that can serve as early-warning systems for public health organizations to respond before potential disease outbreaks.
2. Improve Community Quality of Life
The importance of a mosquito management program extends beyond disease concerns. One of the key reasons your city requires such a program is to enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Effectively controlling mosquito populations can also prevent allergic reactions and skin irritation caused by mosquito bites. By reducing the chances of getting bitten, individuals can avoid discomfort and the red bumps and itching caused by an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva. A mosquito management program thus becomes an investment in the well-being, leisure, and economic vitality of your community and city. Vectech can support programs with detecting these mosquito population hotspots and ensure that control activities effectively reduce the abundance of the mosquito population. By effectively managing vector populations, communities can enjoy outdoor activities without the constant annoyance and discomfort from mosquito bites. This not only fosters a more pleasant living environment but also contributes to a positive impression for tourists and visitors. Creating a space where both residents and tourists can comfortably explore outdoor attractions promotes community pride and a thriving local economy.
3. Minimize Health Hazards for Pets and Livestock
Pets and livestock can get infected with mosquito-borne illnesses. Cats and dogs have the potential to contract heartworm disease, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and West Nile virus (WNV). While EEE and WNV are uncommon in pets and typically do not lead to severe illness, horses, camelids (llamas, alpacas), and certain avian species (emus, pheasants) can also be susceptible to EEE and WNV. The impact of these diseases can vary between animals and humans".⁴ By implementing mosquito control measures, the health risks posed to pets and livestock by mosquito-transmitted diseases are minimized. This creates a safer environment for our furry friends and valuable livestock, reducing the fear of potential health issues caused by mosquito bites.
A city or county mosquito management program can help mitigate these challenges.
Mosquito management relies on the principles of integrated vector management where mosquito control interventions are targeted based on mosquito population data. This ensures control resources reach the highest risk areas first to stop the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, leading to cost savings, and fostering a safer living environment for humans and the planet. The National Association of City and County Health officials estimates there are over 2,000 local vector programs throughout the United States responsible for protecting their communities from mosquitoes, ticks, and other vector-borne diseases.⁵ When these programs practice integrated mosquito management, they should attempt to use control products that focus on the specific mosquito population of concern, considering the abundance, species diversity, distribution, and environment in which they are applied. This approach limits detrimental impact on non-target organisms such as pollinator insects by using fewer chemicals overall, deployed interventions across smaller areas, and relying on mosquito population and pathogen data for application decisions.
Investing in integrated vector management provides long-term cost savings and numerous health benefits, reducing societal economic losses associated with mosquito-borne diseases and promoting better community well-being. Creating a mosquito-free environment through mosquito management contributes to a healthier ecosystem and peace of mind against health risks.
Vectech can help you build a data-driven mosquito management program.
Mosquito information supports the feedback loop of effective mosquito control. When building a mosquito management program, start with information. Regular monitoring of abundance, distribution, and species diversity of your mosquito population will help you establish a baseline of your community’s risk and select the right mosquito control products for your city or county. Vectech has helped over thirty organizations build better mosquito monitoring programs in their cities and counties. Solutions range from our first-in-class IDX system that enables any public health professional or technician to collect data with the capabilities of a medical entomologist, to full-service surveillance where Vectech conducts the surveillance, specimen identification, and pathogen testing, so programs can focus on making impactful public health decisions. Vectech can help you deliver the information you need when you need it.
We can help.
Get in touch with us.
Sources:
³: Locally Acquired Malaria Cases Identified in the United States
⁴: References:
Mani, T., Bourguinat, C., & Prichard, R.K. (2017). Polymorphism in ABC transporter genes of Dirofilaria immitis. International Journal for Paristology: Drugs and Drug Resistance, 7(2), 227-235. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2017.04.004
Andrews, C., Gerdin, J., Patterson, J., Buckles, E.L., & Fitzgerald, S.D. (2018). Eastern equine encephalitis in puppies in Michigan and New York states. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 30(4), 633-636. doi: 10.1177/1040638718774616
Long, M. T. (n.d.). Overview of Equine Arboviral Enchephalomyelitis. Merck Veterinary Manual (online edition). Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/nervous-system/equine-arboviral-encephalomyelitis/overview-of-equine-arboviral-encephalomyelitis
Gibney, K.B., Robinson, S., Mutebi, J-P., Hoenig, D.E., Bernier, B.J., Webber, L....Fischer, M. (2011). Eastern Equine Encephalitis: An emerging arboviral disease threat, Maine, 2009. Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 11(6), 637-639. doi: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0189
Wuschmann, A., and Ziegler, A. (2006). West Nile virus-associated mortality events in domestic Chukar partidges (Alectoris chukar) and domestic Impeyan pheasants (Lophophorus impeyanus). Avian Diseases, 50(3), 456-459.
USGS National Wildlife Health Center. (1999). Field manual of wildlife diseases: General field procedures and diseases of birds. Retrieved from https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/itr19990001
Petrović, T., Blazquez, A.B., Lupulović, D., Lazić, G., Escribano-Romero, E., Fabijan, D.,...Saiz, J. (2013). Monitoring West Nile virus (WNV) infection in wild birds in Serbia during 2012: First isolation and characterisation of WNV strains from Serbia. Eurosurveillance, 18(44), 1-8.
⁵: National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). Vector Control 2020 Assessment Report. 2022. https://www.naccho.org/uploads/downloadable-resources/Vector-control_2020-assessment-report_Final.pdf
Written By: Shaza Ibrahim, Tristan Ford, and Dr. Roy Faiman
Reviewed By: Tristan Ford & Dr. Roy Faiman
