New State Mosquito Control Airplane and Educational DVD Debut
Part of Broad State Mosquito Control and Disease Prevention Program

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 29, 2005) - With mosquito season just around the corner, the Maryland departments of agriculture and health and mental hygiene are gearing up to help reduce the population of mosquitoes in order to prevent mosquito-borne disease.  Two new elements of the agencies' efforts were launched today at the Cambridge airport on Maryland's Eastern Shore. A  Beechcraft King Air airplane, equipped for the application of insecticides, and an educational video on the Asian tiger mosquito and backyard mosquito control for citizens will enhance an already strong mosquito control program

"In partnership with local governments and communities, the State has developed and is committed to an effective mosquito control program," said Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. "These new tools will only strengthen our efforts to reduce mosquito-borne disease and the discomfort of mosquito bites for residents and encourage preventative actions by our citizens."

The new aircraft will make the state's aerial mosquito control services to communities around the state more effective and efficient.  It is equipped with state-of-the-art Ag Nav Global Positioning System as well as night vision and extended range capabilities.   An older, smaller plane, which has been used successfully since 1996 can not alone meet current service needs.  The video, which will be offered to broadcast media for public service programming and available at public libraries, was initiated by the Maryland Department of Agriculture and produced as an important element in Maryland's integrated pest management mosquito control effort.

"Aerial mosquito control is the most effective, and often the only way, to reach large low-lying mosquito infested areas on the Eastern Shore and other waterfront areas of the state," said Agriculture Secretary Lewis R. Riley.  "It is, however, only one piece of the puzzle.  In more urban areas, it is important for residents to take action in their own communities. The new video helps explain the risk of mosquito-borne disease, particularly from the Asian tiger mosquito and lets residents know what they can do to protect themselves from disease and nuisance. It's a way for people to empower their communities to solve mosquito problems without the need for pesticides"

""The ability to control the mosquito population is a very important step in helping to protect the health of Maryland's residents from diseases such as West Nile virus, which has sickened 125 of our residents over the past three years," said DHMH Secretary S. Anthony McCann.  "The aerial spraying capabilities of this new plane provide an important component in our collaborative efforts to minimize human exposure to mosquito-borne diseases."

Most mosquitoes do not pose a threat to public health because they are not infected with viruses or other pathogens. Less than one percent of people bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus will become ill. People most at risk for developing symptoms of the disease are generally those over 50 and those with already compromised immune systems; however, all residents should continue to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites. These measures include:
* Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active;
* Wear light clothing, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats when outdoors;
* Use mosquito repellents registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency according to label directions;
* Vaccinate horses, mules, and donkeys according to your veterinarian's advice;
* Remove standing water from flower pots, tarps, trash receptacles, and other containers;
* Flush pet food and water bowls and bird baths regularly;
* Remove unnecessary water-holding containers; and
* Report large areas of standing water to MDA's mosquito control office.
For more information about mosquito-borne diseases, contact your local health department. The following websites are available to provide additional information: arboviral encephalitis, www.edcp.org/factsheets/arboviral.html; West Nile virus, www.edcp.org/factsheets/wnv_fact.html and www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/wnv/wnv.html; the MDA, www.mda.state.md.us, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/.
For more information about Maryland's mosquito control program, contact the MDA at 410-841-5870 between 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., or visit www.mda.state.md.us.