|
|
|
|
|
UC DAVIS: Office of Administration August 1, 2006 DEANS, DIRECTORS, DEPARTMENT CHAIRS, AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS RE: Aerial Mosquito Treatments to Prevent West Nile Virus The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District has notified UC Davis that the district will be conducting "ultra low-volume" treatments in and around areas where West Nile virus activity has been detected. These treatments may be applied by ground-based fogging units or by aircraft on Thursday and Friday nights, August 3 and 4, weather- dependent, in Davis and over the UC Davis campus to treat the infected adult mosquito populations that pose a significant threat to the community. To date, the district's ongoing surveillance program has detected West Nile virus-positive adult mosquitoes, dead wild birds and sentinel chickens. The applications are scheduled to be made from 8 p.m. until midnight, both nights. A small aircraft will apply treatments of two compounds: pyrethrin, which is produced from the chrysanthemum plant, and piperonyl butoxide, which enhances the effectiveness of pyrethrin. These compounds target only small insects like mosquitoes. The preponderance of scientific evidence indicates that these chemicals, at low dosage rates, pose minimal risk for humans, pets, livestock and other mammals, as well as birds and fish. The products applied by the district are designed to quickly reduce adult mosquito populations and are registered for public health use in residential settings. Vector control officials say the onboard computers that run the aerial drop will be programmed to stop spraying over certified organic farms. The Yolo County agricultural commissioner has identified one certified organic plot on campus-the Student Farm. The campus is continuing to work with the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District to keep the campus's uncertified organic plots as well as potentially sensitive research sites out of the spray area. Aerial treatments to reduce the risk of West Nile virus transmission were conducted in August 2005 in parts of Sacramento County, but have not been made over UC Davis for many years. The district does, however, make routine ground applications on the rural portions of the UC Davis campus to control mosquitoes near culverts and ditch banks. More information is available online from the Sacramento Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District at http://www.fightthebite.net/. For further information on West Nile virus, see the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm. Stan Nosek Vice Chancellor - Administration 06-081
 Office of the Chancellor | Contact Information | Current Issues | Speaking Out | Staff and Organization | Philosophy of Purpose | Principles of Community | Administrative Resources Modified: 12/14/2006 12:57:16 PM Comments: |
