Preparations and Activities Necessary for Aerial Mosquito Control After Hurricanes

Abstract

Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) has a long history of aiding mosquito control efforts necessary for recovery after natural disasters like hurricanes and major floods. As waters associated with these events begin to recede, both nuisance and vector mosquito species surge in abundance and consequently play an increased role in public health. When these situations arise, state and county agencies implement emergency response plans and many rely on Federal Emergency Management Agency or private contractors for assistance in reducing mosquito populations that can alter arbovirus transmission cycles, cause intolerable stress, hamper reconstruction efforts, and disrupt normal community functions. Vector Disease Control International owns the largest fleet of fixed-wing aircraft dedicated specifically to mosquito control and has worked every major storm event since Hurricane Bonnie in 1998. This article describes the logistics and operations required for implementing VDCI's emergency management plan, including the relocation of equipment, adult mosquito surveillance, delivery of pesticides, assessment of efficacy, and filing of low-level waivers and congested-area plans with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Geographic information system protocol for mapping areas targeted for mosquito control in North Carolina

“…This planning step will save organizations time and reduce stress on employees and management during the disaster event and maps can also be used during non-disaster periods. Map layers can help identify areas that help mosquito control operators develop surveillance and treatment plans, including flight patterns [11] and supporting ground operations. Layers within the GIS can also show other types of data such as larvicide/adulticide applications, areas where insecticide resistance has been detected, disease cases, mosquito flight range, as well as mosquito landing and trap counts pre-and post-treatment for reporting/analysis.…”

“…Naled is an organophosphate insecticide active ingredient commonly used in aerial application for mosquito control [16]. In 2018, in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in NC, Vector Disease Control International conducted aerial mosquito control treatments using naled in four counties (Brunswick, Carteret, Harnett, Johnston) encompassing 919,272 acres [11]. Despite ca.…”

Geographic Information System Protocol for Mapping Areas Targeted for Mosquito Control in North Carolina

“…The copyright holder for this this version posted November 15, 2022. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.11.14.22282322 doi: medRxiv preprint acres [11]. Despite ca.…”

“…This planning step will save organizations time and reduce stress on employees and management during the disaster event and maps can also be used during non-disaster periods. Map layers can help identify areas to help mosquito control operators develop surveillance and treatment plans, including flight patterns [11] and supporting ground operations. Layers within the GIS can also show other types of data such as larvicide/adulticide applications, areas where insecticide resistance has been detected, disease cases, as well as mosquito landing and trap counts pre- and post-treatment for reporting/analysis.…”

“…Naled is an organophosphate insecticide active ingredient commonly used in aerial application for mosquito control [16]. In 2018, in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in NC, VDCI conducted aerial mosquito control treatments using naled in four counties (Brunswick, Carteret, Harnett, Johnston) encompassing 919,272 acres [11]. Despite ca .…”