Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlboroughexpress/4511265a6563.html
Hunters get Aussie mozzie call
Marlborough | Monday, 05 May 2008
Blenheim duck shooters heading out to their maimais should report any aggressive or unusual mosquito activity around salt marsh areas.
Biosecurity New Zealand is continuing its southern salt marsh mosquito eradication programme in Grassmere and Wairau, and says shooters will be ideally positioned to help with surveillance.
The southern saltmarsh mosquito can be a carrier of ross river virus, which causes a severe flu-like illness in humans.
"The main feature of the Australian mosquito is that, unlike most native species, it is a daytime biter," incursion manager David Yard said.
As a result of the eradication programme, the risk of southern saltmarsh mosquito activity was extremely low, he said.
No larvae or pupae have detected in the area since December 2007.
Ground surveillance will continue until January 2010. If no further evidence of the mosquito is found in this time, the eradication operation will be wound down.
Anyone who experiences day-time mosquito biting near a salt marsh should note the area and call the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry exotic pest and disease hotline 0800 809 966, or contact FBA Consulting on 03 578 6829 or fba.blenheim@flybusters.co.nz
Hunters get Aussie mozzie call
Marlborough | Monday, 05 May 2008
Blenheim duck shooters heading out to their maimais should report any aggressive or unusual mosquito activity around salt marsh areas.
Biosecurity New Zealand is continuing its southern salt marsh mosquito eradication programme in Grassmere and Wairau, and says shooters will be ideally positioned to help with surveillance.
The southern saltmarsh mosquito can be a carrier of ross river virus, which causes a severe flu-like illness in humans.
"The main feature of the Australian mosquito is that, unlike most native species, it is a daytime biter," incursion manager David Yard said.
As a result of the eradication programme, the risk of southern saltmarsh mosquito activity was extremely low, he said.
No larvae or pupae have detected in the area since December 2007.
Ground surveillance will continue until January 2010. If no further evidence of the mosquito is found in this time, the eradication operation will be wound down.
Anyone who experiences day-time mosquito biting near a salt marsh should note the area and call the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry exotic pest and disease hotline 0800 809 966, or contact FBA Consulting on 03 578 6829 or fba.blenheim@flybusters.co.nz