Hastings County is putting its support behind efforts to reduce the risk of West Nile virus illness in this area.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health will be applying to the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for pesticide permits in case there should be a need to carry out mosquito larviciding activities within the municipalities of its public health jurisdiction.
Manager of Healthy Environments Andrew Landy has written to the county indicating the health unit needs a letter of support from municipalities.
Public Health wants these letters of support as soon as possible so that it can apply for the pesticide permits and carry out control measures if necessary.
The request indicates that the approval from the county is a precautionary measure as the use of biological larvicide will only be considered when there is clear evidence of West Nile activity in the community and there is high risk of human exposure.
In his letter, Landy indicates Public Health will notify the municipality in advance of any use of larvicide and will also post a public notice in a local newspaper advising residents of the work.
County CAO Jim Pine has indicated the county supports the plan.
