70 th. Mosquito Control for a Safe and Quality Environment

Transcription

1 70 th Mosquito Control for a Safe and Quality Environment

2 5015 Stickney Ave. Toledo, Ohio Telephone: (419) Fax: (419 ) February 28, 2017 Richard A. Cohen Director Russell R. Miller Secretary-Treasurer John J. Heiniger General Manager Advisory committee Dr. Gary F. Bennett Professor Emeritus of Biochemical Engineering University of Toledo Jennifer Gottschalk Supervisor Toledo-Lucas County Health Department David G. Huey Retired Toledo Area Sanitary District Dr. Donald R. Knepper Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Thomas Kovacik Kovacik Consulting Jennie Lambert Principal Spilman, Hills & Heidebrink Dr. C. Lee Rockett Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences Bowling Green State University Dr. Randall J. Ruch Associate Professor of Biochemistry & Cancer Biology University of Toledo-College of Medicine Amy K. Stone Extension Educator OSU Extension Lucas County Mr. Richard Cohen Director Toledo Area Sanitary District 5015 Stickney Ave. Toledo, Ohio Mr. Richard Cohen: In compliance with Section 6115, paragraph 14 of the Ohio Revised Code, I hereby submit the 2016 Annual Report. This 70 th annual report of the Toledo Area Sanitary District contains a financial report for 2016 and a budget for It also thoroughly summarizes the District s operations and field activities for the past year. The District provides an efficient, economical and environmentally conscious program for the residents of Lucas County. The techniques, insecticides and equipment used by the District are the most widely recommended and accepted. As a result, the Sanitary District has been an influencing factor as far as recommending sound practices throughout the state of Ohio. The tremendous assistance we have received from you and the advisory committee has been deeply appreciated. Respectfully submitted, John J. Heiniger General Manager Konni Sutfield Retired Toledo-Lucas County Health Department Consultants Michael K. Hart Public Information Russell R. Miller Legal Counsel

3 Organization Under authority of the Sanitary District Act of Ohio, the Toledo Area Sanitary District was established September 27, 1945, by the Common Pleas Court of Lucas County following petition to the Court for the establishment of the District for the abatement and control of mosquitoes. It became operational in 1946 and actual control operations began in In accordance with the statute, responsibility for policy determination for the T.A.S.D. resides with the director appointed by the judges of the Common Pleas Court. Although not provided for in the statutes, a volunteer citizens T.A.S.D. advisory committee has been appointed by the director. The secretary-treasurer and general manager are appointed by the director. T.A.S.D. daytime misting and nighttime fogging trucks lined up after being droplet tested to ensure machines are functioning within product manufacturer and E.P.A. guidelines.. Current Affairs A total of 9 human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) were reported from Ohio in 2016, without any originating in Lucas County. 25 of the 452 WNV-positive mosquito pools found in Ohio were collected from Lucas County. Targeted night fogging applications, conducted by T.A.S.D., after the identification of WNV-positive mosquito pools proved to be very successful at reducing mosquito populations and protecting citizens from infection. For the 2016 season, typical mosquito population reductions, after fogging, averaged 70%. The T.A.S.D. WNV mosquito testing was conducted by the Ohio Department of Health. Nationwide, in 2016, the 48 continental states and the District of Columbia reported 2,038 human cases of WNV, including 94 fatalities. Leading states for WNV cases included: California (424 cases), Texas (353 cases), Illinois (153 cases), South Dakota (151 cases), and Colorado (149 cases). Although overshadowed by West Nile Virus, other arboviruses may also occur in Ohio: St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and LaCrosse Virus (LAC) have all been found in Ohio in the past. In 2015, for the first time ever, two human cases of Jamestown Canyon Virus infections were diagnosed in Ohio. In 2016, 4 of the 34 human LAC cases in the nation came from Ohio, but none were from Lucas County. T.A.S.D. maintains an active surveillance and control program for arboviruses and their primary mosquito vector species. Mosquitoes are routinely tested for the presence of virus. Aedes triseriatus, the vector of LAC, is controlled through nighttime fogging applications and the elimination and treatment of breeding tree-holes and man-made containers. Traditional breeding locations for Culex pipiens, the primary vector of WNV to humans, are routinely monitored and treated when standing water is present. In 2016, T.A.S.D. continued the use of bicycles to treat residential catch basins, traditional Culex spp. breeding locations. This strategy continues to be very successful in increasing the amount of catch basins treated by District employees and, consequently, reducing exposure of Lucas County citizens to potential disease carrying mosquitoes. Nationally, the emerging threat of Zika Virus created concern over the potential spread of the disease into mosquitoes found in the United States. As of January, 2017, there were 52 travel-associated cases of Zika Virus in Ohio, 4,710 travel-associated cases in the United States, and 219 locally acquired cases from Florida and Texas. Of primary concern to citizens of Lucas County, was the potential for Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger mosquito) mosquitoes to spread this disease. Asian Tiger mosquito populations have been established in approximately half of Ohio s 88 counties, excluding Lucas County. T.A.S.D. takes an aggressive approach to prevent the establishment of this mosquito and the potential introduction of Zika Virus, Dengue Virus, and Chikungunya Virus: implementing new species specific adult mosquito trapping and monitoring equipment (BG Sentinel trap and Gravid Aedes Trap) and increasing larval monitoring for the mosquito at breeding tire sites. Surveys of approximately 160 locations throughout Lucas County during the 2016 mosquito season found no evidence of any Asian Tiger mosquitoes. 2

4 Concern for the Environment Everyone recognizes that mosquitoes are a nuisance, but few realize the magnitude of the health threat and economic impact they present. Mosquito eradication is impossible. Nevertheless, much can be done to control these pests without harming humans, wildlife, or the environment. Mosquito population data and citizen reports are considered before control operations are initiated. All of the products utilized at the District have been approved for mosquito control by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The public health insecticides are readily biodegradable and do not accumulate in the food chain or leave harmful residues on plants and other surfaces. These products have not been implicated in the contamination of well water or public waterways. The District employees have an outstanding safety record. This is due to employee training programs and the kinds of insecticides and equipment utilized in modern mosquito control. District employees must pass a written examination before they can receive a pesticide applicator s license from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. All District employees who operate heavy equipment also are required to obtain and meet the requirements for a commercial driver s license. Adulticiding machine being calibrated to ensure product is distributed to the ULV spray machinery at the appropriate rate of flow. Mosquitoes Are Disease Carriers With expanded travel practices, new mosquito-borne disease threats are constantly emerging and T.A.S.D. operates an Integrated Mosquito Management program (IMM) designed to reduce the disease risk for Lucas County residents. Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) techniques seek to control mosquitoes at all stages of lifecycle development through education, breeding source reduction, larval mosquito control, and adult mosquito control. The causative pathogens of many diseases such as West Nile virus, LaCrosse virus, chikungunya virus, malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, zika virus, and filariasis are known to be transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. In Ohio, in 2016, in addition to the locally acquired diseases such as WNV and LAC, there were several other non-zika virus imported or travel-associated diseases of concern: malaria (40 cases), chikungunya virus (1 case), and dengue fever (6 cases). These travel-associated disease cases pose the threat of exposure to our local mosquito populations, leading to potential locally acquired cases, and help emphasize the need for organized IMM services provided by T.A.S.D. An T.A.S.D. employee riding a bicycle as part of the catch basin treatment program. Animals other than humans may also become infected with mosquito-borne diseases. These animals may then serve as a source of infection for other mosquitoes that choose to feed on them. A disease cycle such as this may continue at low levels for many years, with periodic outbreaks occurring as vector populations increase under the proper environmental conditions. WNV has been extremely hard on bird populations, especially corvids (crows and blue jays). Dog heartworm, a type of filariasis that can be fatal to dogs by restricting blood flow to the kidneys, lungs, and liver, continues to be a common problem for area pet owners. Cache Valley virus, an emerging disease becoming prevalent in Ohio, causes still births and various birth defects among sheep. 3

5 At Your Service The operation of a mosquito control district is sometimes difficult for the public to understand. Therefore, keeping citizens informed about the nature and value of these activities is an essential part of the District s operation. Presentations are available for schools and civic business or governmental groups. Videotapes and CDs, dealing with the District operations, mosquito biology, and mosquito-borne diseases, may be borrowed from the T.A.S.D. library. Citizen initiated requests for mosquito control services decreased from 9,699 in 2015 to 6,220 in Adulticiding The method of mosquito control most familiar to the public is ground adulticiding. Truck-mounted units spray by request during the daytime (misting) or from dusk to dawn as part of nighttime control efforts (fogging). Adulticiding is conducting when environmental conditions are favorable and when pest mosquitoes are most active. This important part of an Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) Program is designed to kill adult mosquitoes in flight at the time of the application, with no residual control. T.A.S.D. utilizes ultra-low volume (ULV) technology that disperses approximately one tablespoon of public health insecticide per acre in droplets that are approximately 20 microns in size. To further explain, this equates to 1.25 tablespoons of liquid applied to an area approximately the size of a football field in droplets that are small enough to fit 5 or 6 across the width of a human hair. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have asserted in a joint statement regarding mosquito control activities that the use of adult mosquito control products applied using ULV technology do not pose any unreasonable risk to humans or the environment. In 2016, three different products were used in the adulticiding program: 28 gallons of MosquitoMist 1.5 (chlorpyrifos 19.36%), 1,100 gallons of BioMist 3+15 (permethrin 3%), and 1,270 gallons of Duet (sumithrin 5% and prallethrin 1%). A ProMist Dura ULV electric fogging machine utilized by T.A.S.D. during the 2016 season. Larviciding The rainfall from May through September, the normal mosquito breeding season, equaled inches. As a result, thousands of potential mosquito breeding sites were checked by District personnel. The District has been very pleased with the safety and efficacy of bacterial insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI). Mosquito larvae ingest the BTI spores and die shortly after. These spores are not toxic to humans or other aquatic organisms, contributing to BTI gaining widespread acceptance and use throughout the United States. Two products containing BTI as the sole active ingredient were used for larviciding in 2016: 8,320 pounds of VectoBac (2.8% BTI granules) and 80 pounds of FourStar Bti CRG (10% BTI granules). VectoMax (BTI 4.5% and Bacillus sphaericus 2.7%), a product containing both BTI and Bacillus sphaericus as active ingredients, was also used for treatments (1,400 pounds). Another biological product containing Saccharopolyspora spinosa as the active ingredient was also used for larviciding purposes. In 2016, T.A.S.D. utilized 1,880 pounds of Natular G30 (Spinosad 2.5%) primarily for the treatment of catch basins and roadside ditches. This formulation of spinosad provides continued control in persistent water accumulations for up to 4 weeks. Other larviciding products used by the District, in 2016, included: 1,626 pounds of Abate (temephos 5% plaster pellets). To control pupal mosquitoes, field crews applied 775 gallons of BVA 2 oil. A night fogging truck applies a ULV treatment for adult mosquito control in North Toledo. 4

6 Mosquito Biology It s summertime and the mosquitoes are at it again. Although they are small and delicate looking, mosquitoes quickly gain attention with their persistent blood-sucking habit. Unlike some other types of biting flies, only female mosquitoes feed on blood. Both male and female mosquitoes will feed on nectar secretions from plants, but females show considerable variation as to their preferred sources of blood meals. Some species by preference feed on birds, amphibians, reptiles, and domestic or wild animals, while others seem to prefer humans. Female mosquitoes require the protein found in blood in order to produce eggs. Mosquitoes go through four development stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The first three stages develop in water. Some species of mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water, where they hatch in a few days. Other species deposit their eggs on damp ground, in old tires, tree holes, and practically all types of water-holding containers, where they remain unhatched for weeks or months until covered by water. Due to their movements in the water, the larvae are sometimes referred to as wigglers and the pupae as tumblers. Mosquitoes collected as part of routine surveillance activities. Larval mosquitoes (top left), pupal mosquitoes (bottom left), and adult mosquitoes (right) are utilized by the T.A.S.D. to monitor mosquito species and test the efficacy of products used by the District for their control. 5

7 The larval period includes four growth instars, which usually require about four to 10 days for completion. At the end of each instar, the larva sheds its skin, a process called molting. Although mosquito larvae get their food from the water in which they live, almost all species must come to the surface for air. Most pupae are also very active in the water, but they do not feed. The pupal stage may last from several days to a week or so. At the end of the pupal stage, the skin splits open and the adult works its way out, crawls onto the water surface and is soon ready to fly away and mate. Flight habits of adult mosquitoes vary considerably. Some mosquitoes, such as Culex and Anopheles, do not travel far from their breeding places, usually less than one mile. However, the area s most serious pest mosquito, Aedes vexans, and some other species can fly 10 to 20 miles or more. Adult mosquitoes that hibernate during the winter months can live for six months or more, but the average for most species is probably between several weeks and one to two months during the summer. After each blood meal, female mosquitoes return to their preferred breeding places to deposit their eggs and the cycle begins again. This very successful lifestyle suggests that biting mosquitoes will probably always be with us. Laboratory Operations Alternatives to Chemical Control Mosquito populations are curbed somewhat by natural predators, such as dragonflies, fish, bats, and insectivorous birds. A popular notion in years past was that the use of aluminum bird houses to attract purple martins would eliminate a community s mosquito problem. In-depth studies have shown that mosquitoes comprise no more than three percent of the diet of martins. Mosquitoes also comprise only a small part of the diet of little and big brown bats, which are the most commonly found bats in Ohio. There is also no scientific proof to support advertising claims that certain plants (Citrosa, lemongrass, etc.) or electronic devices can repel adult mosquitoes from a given area. As part of its IMM approach, T.A.S.D utilizes several biological agents as chemical alternatives.: mosquitofish, (Gambusia affinis affinis), BTI, BS, and Spinosad. A library, insectary, and laboratory at the District s headquarters serve as a community resource and enable personnel to complete experimental and basic mosquito identification work. As part of routine mosquito season operations, the lab conducts studies on the efficacy of control products being used, tests mosquitoes for resistance to products in use by T.A.S.D., and coordinates adult mosquito population and disease surveillance. This information is utilized to estimate the potential challenges that will be faced by the control program, to shape seasonal control decisions, and to assess the efficacy of control actions already taking place. Beginning in mid-may and continuing through mid-september, adult mosquito populations are monitored using 20 stationary New Jersey light traps that are strategically placed throughout Lucas County and sampled four nights each week. The collected mosquitoes are identified to species in the lab by trained personnel. The survey data is used to estimate relative population densities of individual mosquito species, suggesting which areas within Lucas County need increased control efforts. 9,088 adult female mosquitoes were collected from light traps, in WNV prevalence in the mosquito population was monitored from approximately 50 different locations within the District, utilizing gravid mosquito traps. These traps collect female mosquitoes looking for suitable locations to deposit eggs after a successful blood meal, from which they could potentially acquire WNV. 8,208 gravid female mosquitoes, grouped into 399 pools, were tested for WNV in A network of New Jersey Light Traps like the one above, are utilized by the T.A.S.D. to monitor adult mosquito populations throughout Lucas County. 6

8 Don t Give Mosquitoes A Chance Mosquitoes need water to breed and grow. It does not take much water and it does not take much time. So, almost anything that will hold water for one week or more can produce these pests. Many places around your home or in your neighborhood may be causing mosquito problems. An ornamental water garden is the perfect location for the use of mosquitofish as a biological control of mosquitoes that will breed in these ponds. Mosquitofish have been used at T.A.S.D. since propagation ponds were first established at several Lucas County sites in They are unique among Ohio s fish because of their ability to bear living young. Gambusia affinis are one of the most widely distributed types of freshwater fish, due to their worldwide use for mosquito control. The species thrives in a wide variety of water types: being very tolerant of high water temperatures as well as very low dissolved oxygen levels. Gambusia affinis give birth to an average of 40 to 100 live fry, each of which is approximately 3/8 of an inch in length. On average, three to four broods are produced each year, depending on the size of the female and the length of the breeding season. Females can attain a maximum length of two inches males, one inch. Each fish is able to consume many mosquito larvae in one day. Seldom does either sex survive for more than two years. The species has a number of natural enemies including wading birds and various other fish, such as bass, perch, and sunfish. Mosquitofish are offered free of charge upon request to citizens living within Lucas County. 1) Eliminate unnecessary water-holding containers, especially tires, large cans, and bottles. 2) Keep ditches and streams adjoining your property free of grass clippings, garbage, and other debris that will obstruct the natural flow of water. 3) Stock ornamental pools and ponds with goldfish or mosquitofish. 4) Clean out rain gutters; be certain no water remains on flat roofs after rains. 5) Keep outdoor pails and tubs upside down. 6) Keep water clean in children s wading pools and drain when not in use. 7) Cover rain barrels with screening. Mosquito control is a community problem. Be a good neighbor and do your part for better control of this annoyance. Ask your neighbors to do their part, too. Tell them that just one gallon of standing water in the neighborhood may produce over 1,000 mosquitoes in your block. Submitted by: Paul Bauman Biologist Empty buckets and other water-holding containers that will provide a habitat for mosquitoes to breed around the home. 7

9 2016 FINANCIAL REPORT 2017 BUDGET FUNDS ON HAND Petty Cash $ $ Cash Book Balance 514, , TOTAL FUNDS ON HAND $ 514, $ 364, RECEIPTS Maintenance Assessments (Gross) $ 2,214, $ 2,350, Interest Earned on Investments Sale of Equipment & Supplies 3, Sale of Scrap Adjustments & Refunds 14, TOTAL $ 2,232, $ 2,350, TOTAL RECEIPTS & BALANCE $ 2,747, $ 2,715, EXPENDITURES OFFICE & ADMINISTRATION Salaries - Permanent $ 234, $ 250, Salaries - Temporary 29, , Equipment , Utilities & Communications 23, , Professional Services 24, , Pension & Employee Insurance 651, , General Insurance 107, , Travel & Conference 7, , Supplies 2, , Education 1, , R.E. Improv., Maint. & Rental 5, , Assessment Roll & Taxes 33, , Workers Comp. & State Auditor 28, , Adjustments TOTAL $ 1,149, $ 1,329, FIELD PROGRAM Salaries - Permanent $ 777, $ 800, Salaries - Temporary 18, , New Vehicle & Power Equipment , Vehicle & Equipment Replacement 11, , Larvicides & Insecticides 369, , Fuel & Lubricants 24, , Equipment Maintenance & Shop 20, , Field Supplies & Hand Tools 4, , Miscellaneous & Contingencies , Drainage Equipment Maintenance 7, , Special Projects Vehicle & Equipment Rental TOTAL $ 1,232, $ 1,285, TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 2,382, $ 2,614, BALANCE $ 364, $ 101, LISA DIEHL OFFICE MANAGER/BOOKKEEPER 8

10 NEW JERSEY LIGHT TRAP COLLECTIONS (2016) Month May June July Week Aedes aurifer Aedes sollicitans Aedes vexans Anopheles barberi Anopheles perplexans Anopheles punctipennis Anopheles quadrimaculatus Anopheles walkeri Culex erraticus Culex pipiens Culex restuans Culex territans Culiseta inornata Culiseta melanura Culiseta morsitans Coquillettidia perturbans Ochlerotatus canadensis Ochlerotatus grossbecki Ochlerotatus japonicus Ochlerotatus sticticus Ochlerotatus stimulans Ochlerotatus triseriatus Ochlerotatus trivittatus Orthopodomyia signifera Psorophora ciliata Psorophora ferox Uranotaenia sapphirina Female Totals Male Totals

11 August September May June July August Sept. Totals

12 40,000 40,000 Female Culex pipiens, Culex restuans, and Aedes vexans Collected by NEW JERSEY TASD LIGHT in New TRAP Jersey COLLECTIONS Light Traps BY T.A.S.D. 35,000 35,000 Aedes vexans Culex Culex pipiens pipiens & Culex & restuans restuans ADULT Adult Female FEMALE Mosquitoes MOSQUITOES 30,000 30,000 25,000 25,000 20,000 20,000 15,000 15,000 10,000 Aedes vexans Culex pipiens & Culex restuans 10,000 5,000 5, YEAR Year Aedes vexans is a serious human and mammal biting mosquito. Calendar years with high precipitation, especially with individual storms measuring greater than one inch of rainfall, result in large numbers of the floodwater mosquito, Aedes vexans, becoming a significant pest for the next six weeks or so. Culex pipiens and Culex restuans mosquitoes are commonly found as larvae in container habitats, as well as in backyard ditches, catch basins and abandoned automobile tires. The populations of Culex mosquitoes as measured by New Jersey light traps are relatively similar year after year and fail to indicate the possibility of a severe West Nile virus outbreak. Other surveillance methods, such as using gravid traps or egg traps, can be used to monitor Culex mosquitoes and serve as a better indicator of WNV activity and the possible transmission of the disease to humans Stickney Avenue Toledo, Ohio (419)