Title
Resolution - A Resolution Adopting a New Mansfield Mosquito Surveillance & Control Policy
Recommendation
The Environmental Staff recommends the approval of the new Mansfield Mosquito Surveillance & Control Policy as the most effective means of reducing the risk of an outbreak of mosquito borne pathogens, protecting the public from a potential outbreak and using public funds in the most cost effective manner.
Description/History
The main goals for considering the update of the Mosquito Policy are: 1) update the introductory sections to be the same as Tarrant County; 2) better describe the City’s existing implementation of its surveillance program; 3) inclusion of a table describing when adult treatments in response to West Nile Virus should be implemented; 4) eliminate the 48-hour notice prior to adult mosquito treatments; and 5) to include information and steps related to non-West Nile Virus diseases (Chikungunya, Zika, Dengue). The proposed document is intended to be used by staff to guide activities related to mosquito surveillance and control, and for those members of the public with greater interest in what activities the City is engaged in. General public educational materials will continue to be hosted on webpages and provided through handouts and brochures.
The first Mosquito Surveillance and Control Policy for the City of Mansfield was adopted in 2008 and based largely on a policy for the City of Denton. The first update to that policy was in 2013, as a result of the West Nile Virus outbreak of 2012, but still largely based on language from the City of Denton.
This proposed policy is based largely on the Tarrant County Public Health policy. Sections 1 & 2, 3.1, and 3.2 are almost verbatim from Tarrant County. Section 3.3 describes responses to complaints about mosquitoes. Section 4 begins with language from Tarrant County and is followed by specific education activities performed by the City. Section 5 describes the Risk Categories for Culex-borne diseases, and Section 6 contains the same information for Aedes-borne diseases. The references section is taken from Tarrant County. Appendix A and B were developed by staff. The red-lined copy reflects the changes made between the two policies. Much of the language removed and added is informative and supportive, but does not significantly impact the implementation of the program. The change in language better conforms to the local regional mosquito program and effort than the previous language, and is representative of the partnership between the City and Tarrant County as allies in protecting public health in the area. The differences between the 2013 policy and Tarrant County policy were significant. A new format was initially created and once the final draft language was complete used to create a red-lined copy to demonstrate changes between the two policies.
The 2013 policy does not provide any information or responses related to potential disease transmission from Aedes mosquitoes.
Response actions for the different risk categories are inline with those included in the Tarrant County Public Health mosquito policy. Public education remains a vital component. It should be noted that the Risk Categories in the policy are a public education tool, as well as guide for action. In consideration and response to public concerns about adult mosquito treatments, the City has committed to more objective and clearly defined triggers that would result in adult treatments. The Adult Culex Mosquito Intervention Table was created as a decision making tool for when, where, and how much adult treatments should be implemented.
CDC guidance related to adult mosquito treatment was updated in 2017 and removed precautions such as covering fish ponds, water bowls, furniture, etc…This eliminates some of the need to delay treatment related to positive mosquito samples. There have been many advances in communication technology since the 2013 policy was adopted. Communication between the City and public has become much more flexible and responsive. Additionally, staff sets traps Monday, collects them Tuesday, turns over to Tarrant County Wednesday and gets results back Friday. The lag from when a mosquito was collected to when notice is provided to the City of a potential risk to take action places public health at risk. It is important to respond as quickly as possible once the risk threshold is crossed. A table was developed to describe the risk thresholds when adult mosquito treatments should be deemed necessary and effective. This table includes greater thresholds and responses with reduced adult treatments than has been practiced in the recent past. The thresholds and responses are consistent with Tarrant County guidance.
Public education and habitat removal actions remain a critical component of the program. The City’s current and future program will continue to rely on property owners and occupants to take proactive steps to reduce breeding sites, and take protective steps if the virus does begin to spread through the population.
It is the position of staff, Tarrant County Public Health, the Texas State Department of Health Services, the Centers for Disease Control that adult mosquito treatments are safe for the environment and public, and an effective tool when used properly to help reduce the potential spread of disease in the community.
Justification
Staff believes this policy provides an effective framework for controlling potential mosquito related disease risks. Howard Redfearn will be present to answer questions. A resolution is attached for Council’s consideration.
Prepared By
Howard Redfearn, Environmental Manager