Environmental Health Australia Public Health School, March 2014
Mosquito Management, Climate Change and Urban Design
Dr Cameron WebbDepartment of Medical Entomology
Pathology West – ICPMR Westmead, Westmead Hospital
Marie Bashir Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @mozziebites
Blog: http://cameronwebb.wordpress.com/
Most common in Australia (~5,000 cases/pa) Symptoms:
Not fatal but rash, fever, joint pain, polyarthritis
Complex ecology, in different regions: Seasonal & geographic variation Different vectors
Marsupial hosts? Bird hosts? Human hosts?
Ross River & Barmah Forest viruses
• Broad scale mosquito control in coastal wetlands funded by local government
• Coastal wetlands focus of conservation and rehabilitation projects
• Concern regarding ecological impacts of broad scale mosquito control
• Rapidly expanding urban development in coastal regions of eastern Australia
• Complex and site-specific mosquito fauna, reservoir hosts and disease risks
Mosquito Management in AustraliaMosquito Management in Australia
Water Sensitive Urban Design Integration of water management into
urban planning and design Urban developments contain a suite
of water conservation strategies Constructed wetlands Bioretention swales Raingradens Rainwater tanks
Mosquito risk variable Design, construction, installation and
maintenance issues can increase the mosquito risk
Constructed WetlandsConstructed Wetlands Stormwater retention & treatment Wildlife conservation Change local mosquito diversity Change in local environmental
drivers of mosquito populations Change in reservoir hosts Wetland design & maintenance
Water quality, depth & flow rates Edge structure and slope Vegetation zones Predators
Well funded management plan
Wetlands support diverse habitats
Provides assistance to local governments on assessing mosquito risk associated with wetlands
Provides background on mosquito and mosquito-borne disease risk
A framework for decision making
Highlight wetland projects that may require more detailed assessments and the engagement of consultants to develop a site-specific plan
Guidelines for constructed wetlands
Many aspects to estuarine and freshwater wetland management
Sydney Olympic Park Authority’s Wetland Education & Training Program initiative
Over 400 pages of practical guidance on wetland management
Detailed chapters on mosquito management in constructed and rehabilitated wetlands
Free workbook for urban wetlands
http://www.sopa.nsw.gov.au/resource_centre/wet_ebook_workbook_for_managing_urban_wetlands_in_australia/
Wetland Rehabilitation Accompany development More mosquitoes?
Restore tidal flooding (coastal) Environmental flows (inland)
Long-term & short-term issues Change in local environmental
drivers of mosquito populations Change in reservoir hosts Mosquito management? Are these “natural” habitats?
Climate change and future risks
“Climate change” or “human response” No immediate risk from “tropical” pathogens Future risks of introduced vectors/viruses Extension of “mozzie season” Higher risk of RRV/BFV into Autumn Greater activity in nearby regions? “Human response” & future risk?
Domestic water hoarding Wetland construction/rehabilitation Urban development/WSUD
Regional Approaches to Mosquito RiskRegional Approaches to Mosquito Risk
Previous advice from health authorities not reflective of new products and/or formulations
Specific advice on “actives” as well as formulations
Information on repellent safety
Freely available via download from the NSW Arbovirus website, link below or email Cameron
“Beating the Bite”: Guidelines for repellents
http://cameronwebb.wordpress.com/mosquito-repellent-guidelines/
SummarySummary Mosquito-borne disease risk will be
influenced by local and regional environmental, climatic and biological factors
“Mosquito Aware Urban Design” strategies are needed Constructed & Rehabilitated wetlands Urban planning (water & residents) Education and engagement
Joint the conversation on Twitter @mozziebites
Learn more about my research:
http://cameronwebb.wordpress.com
Thank you
