Broome shire is fogging mosquitoes around town this week.
Courtesy Atlanta Commissioner Emma L Darnell
You can read a media release here:
Shire of Broome
PO Box 44, Broome WA 6725
Phone: 08 9191 3456
Fax: 08 9191 3455
MEDIA RELEASE
21 June 2013 For immediate release
Shire to fog mosquitoes following unseasonal rain
The Shire of Broome plans to carry out mosquito fogging next week after a combination of
conditions has led to an increased health risk.
Shire of Broome Manager Health Services, Dimity Hargrave, said a combination of factors had
prompted the decision to use chemical fogging.
“Mosquitoes breed in pooling water, and recent unseasonal rain has increased the risk posed
by mosquito-borne diseases,” Ms Hargrave said.
“Mosquitoes have a two-week breeding cycle which means they will now be hatching following
the recent rain.
“Shire Environmental Health Officers also monitor flocks of sentinel chickens for the presence
of viruses, and one chicken at Roebuck Plains has tested positive.
“And thirdly, the Department of Health has advised there have been recent cases of Ross River
Virus in the area.
“While we use fogging sparingly for environmental reasons, this combination of factors means
we consider the threat to human health has increased sufficiently to warrant the measure.”
The fogging is scheduled to run from Monday 24 June to Thursday 27 June and involves
spraying a fine mist of a chemical that kills flying mosquitoes.
The chemical used is not harmful to humans, but those with respiratory illness are advised to
remain indoors if fogging is taking place nearby.
It will be carried out around dawn and dusk in identified mosquito breeding areas near Roebuck
Estate, Old Broome and the industrial areas.
“We also encourage the community to do its part by removing any pooled water from their
properties to prevent mosquitoes breeding,” Ms Hargrave said.
“The usual precautions including using insect repellants when outdoors, covering up with loose
clothing and avoiding outdoor exposure, especially around dawn and dusk, should always be
observed.”
More information is available from the Shire of Broome website at www.broome.wa.gov.au.