TRNC veterinarians urge eliminating mosquito breeding sites instead of relying on spraying

The Turkish Cypriot Association of Veterinary Doctors and the TRNC Veterinary Doctors’ Union issued a joint statement saying that the fight against mosquitoes in Northern Cyprus must not be reduced to spraying. In the veterinarians’ view, priority should be given to identifying and eliminating places where mosquitoes breed.

The statement was prompted by efforts to prevent West Nile fever. This is a zoonotic infection: people become infected when bitten by an infected mosquito. The main vectors are mosquitoes of the genus Culex, which are active in the evening and at night. The first cases in Cyprus were recorded in 2016.

Veterinarians propose switching to integrated vector control, combining physical, biological and chemical methods. The physical component involves draining stagnant water bodies and installing drainage systems. The biological component involves introducing mosquitofish, which feed on larvae, and using biological larvicides.

Veterinarians advise using chemical treatment and ultra-low-volume (ULV) spraying only when other measures have proved insufficient. The statement stresses that ULV should not be considered the basis of mosquito control: it is merely one element of an overall system.

Residents are advised to regularly check places where water accumulates, including flowerpot saucers, swimming pools, sewer manholes, buckets and old tyres. They are also advised to install mosquito screens and wear clothing that covers the body during peak mosquito activity hours.