Grand Prairie Reporter: Mayor Declares Local Disaster - Aerial ...

On Wednesday, Mayor Charles England declared a local state of disaster for Grand Prairie because of the outbreak of the mosquito borne West Nile Virus.

In a letter to Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, Mayor England requested that the portion of the city that is north of Jefferson Street be included in the county?s aerial spraying program that is expected to begin on August 17.

Map of spray area

Aerial spraying is a quick method to reduce the population of adult mosquitoes. It involves a series of sprayings from aircraft flying between 200 and 400 feet to disperse and minimize drift of the pesticide Duet.

Jim Cummings, Environmental Services Director for the City of Grand Prairie said in a memorandum to Mayor England that ?current scientific literature does not indicate any negative human side effects from the proper use of this chemical. However, there may be impacts to pets, fish, birds and non-target insect species.?

Suggested guidelines for residents in the spray area:

• Minimize exposure. Avoid being outside, close windows and consider keeping pets inside while spraying occurs.
• If skin or clothes are exposed, wash them with soap and water.
• Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables with water as a general precautionalry measure.
• Cover small ornamental fish ponds.
• Because the chemical breaks down quickly in sunlight and water, no special precautions are suggested for outdoor swimming areas.
• Covering bee hives.

Because aerial spraying only affects the adult mosquitoes, the city will continue its current mosquito management program to control breeding areas through standing water elimination and using larvicides.

Source: http://grandprairiereporter.com/blog1/2012/08/mayor_declares_local_disaster.html

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