RIVERLAND councils will collaborate in an attempt to keep the region free of mosquitoes carrying potentially “fatal” diseases.
Renmark Paringa Councillors passed a motion at last month’s general meeting to adopt the Riverland Integrated Mosquito Management Plan (RIMMP) – to minimise the potential of viruses such as Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVEv) in the region – alongside Berri Barmera Council and the District Council of Loxton Waikerie.
Renmark Paringa director of corporate and community services Tim Pfeiffer said the detection of MVEv and Kunjin virus near Waikerie last month illustrated the risks disease-carrying mosquitoes have to the Riverland.
“We had a few chickens at Ramco which gave blood samples that weren’t exactly great… while those two diseases are incredibly rare, they do occur,” he said.
“Especially when waters in wetlands are gradually receding and you get small pools of water, that’s where you see them.”
Mr Pfeiffer said the management plan would involve monitoring and surveillance of mosquito populations in the Riverland, plus physical – such as clearing stormwater drains and ensuring septic tanks are sealed – and chemical control measures as required.
“Mosquito control is vital for all Murray River communities,” Mr Pfeiffer said.
“Most of the mosquitos we have up here are completely harmless and just give you a bite that gets itchy for a few days, but some of them are incredibly nasty and can be fatal.”