The State Government is bringing the fight to mosquito-borne diseases.
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Seventeen councils across regional Victoria will share in $4.6 million of funding to combat the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Local councils sharing the funding include Greater Bendigo, Buloke, Loddon, Mount Alexander and Campaspe.
Wangaratta, West Wimmera, Horsham, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack Gannawarra, Greater Shepparton, Mildura, Moira, Swan Hill and Wodonga will also share in the funding.
Heavy rainfall at the start of summer led to ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes with high numbers set to continue through the summer months.
“More than anything, mosquitoes are a nuisance. However, their bite can turn nasty for the few who get infected with a mosquito-borne disease,” Minister for Health Jill Hennessey said.
“It’s been an ideal breeding season for mosquitoes. That’s why we’re ramping up our efforts to stop the spread of mozzies. Fewer mosquitoes will help families and visitors to regional Victoria alike enjoy summer.”
The funding will help councils identify types of mosquitoes and estimate numbers, test sentinel chickens, using control agents such as larvicides to stop mosquito larvae from growing and fogging where mosquito numbers are excessive.
A new app and web portal for selected councils to monitor mosquito hot spots and provide real time data will also be launched.
Diseases including Ross River Fever, Barmah Forest virus and Murray Valley Encephalitis can be carried by mosquitoes and end in serious infection.
The Ross River virus was detected in mosquitoes trapped in northern Victoria, leading the government to try and reduce mosquito numbers by expanding mosquito surveillance and management activities along with community education programs.
About 314 people had been diagnosed with Ross River virus in Victoria during the year to December 29 – a nearly 50 per cent jump from the previous year.
Visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/beat-the-bite for more.