Peel urges residents frustrate mosquitoes this year

The Region of Peel has begun active monitoring for the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Peel.

Field staff have started surveying a wide range of stagnant water sites on public property for the presence of mosquito larvae. If the larvae are present, larviciding will be conducted at these sites. Larviciding of road side catch basins will begin June 9 and will be completed in four phases.

Adult mosquitoes will be collected weekly from mid- June until the end of September and sent to a laboratory for testing for the presence of WNV.

"We are relying on the public to help us monitor and reduce West Nile Virus in Peel this season," commented Dr. David Mowat, Peel's medical officer of health. "We encourage residents to report dead crows and blue jays to Peel Public Health and to ensure that their property is ready for the mosquito season by eliminating areas of stagnant water and repairing any tears or holes in window and door screens."

To report dead crow or blue jay sightings, call (905) 799-7700 or toll-free in Caledon at (905) 584-2216 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; or Saturdays and statutory holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It is not necessary to report other types of dead birds.

To report stagnant water, call (905) 799-7700, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or fill out an on-line form at www.peel-bugbite.ca

Stagnant water with a high organic level that stays for longer than seven days is an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes, especially as the weather gets warmer. By eliminating or treating stagnant water, the mosquito population can be reduced.

For more information on how to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home, check out the interactive house at www.peel-bugbite. ca

In 2007, there was a decrease in WNV activity in Peel with two WNV-positive birds reported in Brampton. Three WNV-positive mosquito batches were found; two in Brampton and one in Mississauga. There was one human case of WNV in Mississauga. It was unclear whether the disease was contracted locally or while the resident was travelling outside of North America.

The 2008 West Nile Virus Prevention Plan includes public education, mosquito larviciding and monitoring for WNV in birds, mosquitoes and humans. It is based on recommendations from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Health Canada and the U.S. Centre for Disease Control.

Peel Public Health continues working closely with the City of Mississauga, City of Brampton, Town of Caledon, Credit Valley Conservation and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to reduce the risk of WNV virus this season.

For more information about WNV, visit www.peelbugbite. ca or call Peel Public Health at (905) 799- 7700 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Caledon residents call toll free at (905) 584-2216.