June 29, 2004
Progress has been made in monitoring, managing and assessing the mosquito population in the
Lower Mainland. The GVRD provides a coordinating role for regional efforts on public lands to
monitor and manage public health risks from West Nile Virus (WNV).
“An integrated approach to protecting public health is what is required here,” said GVRD Chair
Marvin Hunt. “We are working closely with our member municipalities and local health
authorities to help eliminate potential West Nile mosquito sources on both public and private
lands.”
The GVRD is monitoring mosquito activity in its regional parks as part of a coordinated
approach to combat the potential threat of WNV. This type of research provides health officials
with an estimate of the number and types of mosquitoes present in an area.
In addition, the GVRD is developing a comprehensive communications program to build greater
awareness of WNV and the preventative measures that can be taken to ensure the lowest risk of
infection possible. Posted signs and information are being used in GVRD parks to communicate
important messages concerning WNV.
Preserving and maintaining healthy wetlands contributes significantly to the natural management
of WNV mosquito populations, as well as the environmental sustainability of the region—a
major component of the GVRD’s Sustainable Region Initiative.
Visit the GVRD website for more information on West Nile Virus and other important links:
http://www.gvrd.bc.ca
For information:
Sheila Gardner-Grant
Media Relations
604-451-6033
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