Director's Report

March

Surveillance:  A total of 5 mosquito pools were collected and tested for arboviruses  for the period of 1 January through 22 February.  All pools tested negative for SLE and  EEE and WN.   

Control efforts:  There were no evening spray operations for the period of 1 January through 29 February 2008.  We finished up the 2007 season slightly higher in total number of acres sprayed than in 2006.  We lost 15 days of data due to monitor failure in truck 10, so the reported acreage in the 2007 annual report is conservative.   

Day-time operations have gone well this winter.  We continue to see active mosquito breeding throughout the parish, though at greatly reduced levels compared to summer levels.  As a special project, my two day-time field workers walked every street from Louisville to River Oaks and from the Ouachita River east to Hwy 165 to identify mosquito breeding sites.   Though not part of the survey, blocked storm systems were also noted and the location of these 42 sites was provided to Monroe Public Works.   

Expenses:  Expenses, as of 3 March 2008, are $34,183 or about 4.1% of the budget.  Approximately $152,860in chemical inventory was carried forward from 2007.  

Operational Issues:  The spill kits in each of the spray trucks has been significantly upgraded as well as the written procedures that are to be followed if a spill occurs.  These procedures will become part of the annual training that all new and returning drivers are required to complete before the commencement of evening spraying.  We will be updating the monitor in truck 10, pending board approval.  As part of a collaboration with the Mosquito and Termite Abatement board in New Orleans we will be saving any termites we collect in light traps this spring and sending them to New Orleans for identification.  This data is used to monitor the spread of Formosan termites. 

Public Service/Conference participation: Met with Mayor Norris, Mayor Breedland and spoke with Mayor Harris.  Met with the Newsstar editorial board and West Monroe Chamber of Commerce.  Spoke at the Charmingdale Citizen Advisory Group meeting, Sterlington Citizen Advisory Group meeting and with Shady Grove elementary parents.  Provided mosquito information to Shady Grove elementary students.  Two talks were presented at the annual Louisiana Mosquito Control Association meeting.  The director was elected to the LMCA board of directors at the December meeting and serves on the Technical Advisory Committee as well as Chair of the Research Committee.  The director also became a Louisiana consultant in category 1D – Medical, Veterinary and Public Health Entomology and 1G – Mosquito Control.  The latter category, while not required for a mosquito control director, has been advised because of the numerous recommendations the director makes to municipalities and individuals in the region. 

Canvass the results of the election – Wednesday, March 19 at eight-thirty o’clock at 4709 Construction Ave., Monroe, LA