The Victorian Government and Northern Grampians Shire Council are working together to reduce mosquito numbers.
Council has joined 16 other higher risk and flood-affected councils across rural Victoria to combat the spread of mosquitoes this summer.
The councils have received a special funding package to expand mosquito control activities and help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Heavy rainfall over the winter months creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes that can spread disease. High numbers of mosquitoes will continue over the summer months across rural Victoria.
Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) – all serious, infectious and potentially life-threatening in the case of MVE.
We are taking action to reduce mosquito numbers by expanding our annual surveillance and mosquito management activities and community education programs.
Council is conducting activities ranging from trapping mosquitoes to identify types and estimate numbers, to using control agents such as larvicides to stop mosquito larvae from growing.
The annual ‘Beat the Bite’ campaign urges all Victorians to take simple steps to protect themselves and their family from mosquito bites.
The campaign’s top tips to ‘Beat the Bite’ are:
If you have any concerns about your health, talk to your doctor or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024. For more information visit, Better Health Channel.