REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN. Integrated Pest Management Program. Nuisance and Vector Mosquito Control 2016 Summary Report

Transcription

1 D.G. Regan and Associates Ltd. environmental services REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN Integrated Pest Management Program Nuisance and Vector Mosquito Control 2016 Summary Report Display Pond, July Prepared for The Regional District of Central Okanagan Kelowna, British Columbia Prepared by D G Regan and Associates Ltd. Langley, British Columbia 07 November 2016 File# A Avenue, Langley, BC, Canada V1 M 2X2 Phone: Fax: dgra@telus.net

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Regional District of Central Okanaga n 2016 Nuisance and Vector Mosq uito Control Program The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) has provided residents, workers and visitors with mosquito surveillance and control services for over thirty five years. Program services are provided to the City of Kelowna, the District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, City of West Kelowna defined areas and Central Okanagan East Electoral Area. The program's goal is to identify and suppress larval populations sufficiently to reduce annoyance and the potential for disease transmission by adult mosquitos for the benefit residents, workers and visitors within the service area. The RDCO, centered in the community of Kelowna, has significant recreational and environmental value, providing residents and visitors with many outdoor summer activities and employment. Walking, cycling, camping, horseback riding, bird watching, biking, boating and golfing are just a few of these. Adult mosquito annoyance can often conflict with these activities. Besides t he negative impacts on the lifestyle of residents, there can be considerable economic impact from mosquito annoyance on workers, visitors and local businesses. DG Regan and Associates Ltd., (DGRA) an environmental services firm with thirty years of experience in integrated pest management, and a specialization in mosquito population surveillance and management were selected by the RDCO to manage the annual RDCO Nuisance and Vector Mosquito Control Program for the years The mosquito control program provided by DGRA Ltd. employed a comprehensive, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to mosquito control which focused on the timely detection, control and prevention of larval mosquito development. Where possible, and appropriate, physical or cultural controls were recommended that may reduce larval mosquito habitat and enhance or conserve natural mosquito predators. Where required, larval mosquito populations were controlled using the RDCO supplied bio-rational larvicide VectoBac 200G (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, PCP# 18158). Larval development habitats within the RDCO program include sloughs, back channels and lowlying fields, forested areas and undeveloped areas located along Mission Creek. Snowmelt and precipitation run-off increases creek levels and subsequent seepage water accumulations in adjacent areas. Natural, permanent, temporary, seepage and spring-fed ponds and marshes are located throughout the control programs boundaries. Man-made display, landscape and settling ponds, drainage and roadside ditches, depressions in fields and in undeveloped and rural properties also provide potential larval mosquito development habitat. Some 226 development sites have been identified for routine surveillance and possible treatment. In addition, man-made co ntainers including buckets, unused fountains and pools, livestock., dgregan.com

3 watering troughs, uncovered boats and equipment can all hold water to create a potential mosquito development habitat. The most widespread development habitat type within the RDCO is roadside catch basins, with over 10,000 located along public roadways and parking lots, they provide a potential source for adult mosquito emergence in built-up and developing residential, commercial and industrial areas. Public education initiatives included routine and regular radio, television and internet advertisements, social media postings, public information booths and a tire recycling collection day. At the start of the annual program in mid-march, and throughout the season, program biologists maintained regular contact with property owners and facility operators having mosquito development habitat on site. In addition brochures, door knob message hangers, posters and informational 'fliers' were provided to interested members of the public or left at residences to inform them of program services and to request follow-up contact. These items provided information on mosquito life cycles and how property owners could reduce mosquito habitat and adult mosquito populations around their property. Overall weather conditions for the 2016 summer in the Kelowna area were "warmer and drier" than in recent ( } years. Mean monthly temperatures, measured at Kelowna UBCO, for the months March through August 2016 were all above average, ranging from 0.2 C in June to a high of 4.5 C above average for April. July was the exception and was 2.2 C below normal. Precipitation totals for the summer of 2016 were 93% of normal, although the first half of the season (March to May), received half as much precipitation as the second half. A total of twenty seven different mosquito species were collected during Of these, some 48% (13 species} are identified by the BC Centres for Disease Control as potential vectors of West Nile virus, and five of these; Aedes dorsalis, Aedes sticticus, Culiseta inornata, Culex pipiens and Culex torso/is are listed as highly competent(++) to(++++) vectors. A total of kilograms of VectoBac 200G were applied to a total area of hectares of active larval mosquito development habitat. Some 144 sites were treated on a total of 573 separate occasions. Although a number of sites were only treated on 1 or 2 occasions during 2016, many sites were treated 3 or 4 times and some sites were treated upwards of 15 times. All applications were completed under the auspices of the BC Ministry of Environment-accepted RDCO, Pest Management Plan # /21 for Mosquito Control. Year-end program reporting; the Pesticide Use Follow-up Report (31 December} and the Annual Report for Confirmation Holders (31 January) required for the PMP will be completed by DGRA and provided to the BCMOE on behalf of the RDCO. ii

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 PUBLIC EDUCATION AND INFORMATION 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND MOSQUITO POPULATIONS 3.1 Winter Snowpack, Weather and Mission Creek Levels 3.2 Larval Mosquito Populations 3.3 Adult Mosquito Populations 4.0 MOSQUITO CONTROL AND POPULATION MANAGEMENT 5.0 CONTROL PROGRAM EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 Public Relations and Education 5.2 Surveying, Monitoring and Control 5.3 Environmental 5.4 West Nile and Zika virus update 6.0 REFERENCES AND LITERATURE REVIEWED 2 pages LIST OF TABLES 1- Larval Sampling & Identification Summary; Regional District of Central Okanaga n, 2016 Nuisance and Vector Mosquito Control Program 2 - Adult Mosquito Sampling & Identification Summary; Regional District of Central Okanagan, 2016 Nuisance and Vector Mosquito Control Program 3 - Ground-based VectoBac 200G Application Summary; Regional Dist rict of Central Okanagan, 2016 Nuisance and Vector Mosquito Control Program APPENDIX 1-Temperature and Precipitation Summary, ~~ dgregan.com

5 1.0 INTRODUCTION D.G. Regan and Associates Ltd., (DGRA Ltd.), an environmental services firm with extensive experience in integrated pest management, and a specialization in mosquito and biting fly surveillance and population management are retained by the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) to coordinate an effective, annual nuisance and vector mosquito control program. Mosquito control services were provided to residential and rural property owners, businesses, parks, sports fields, campgrounds, golf courses and other outdoor recreational and tourist facilities. The goal of the annual larval mosquito control program is to limit the potential for widespread adult mosquito annoyance, and possibility of mosquito-borne diseases, for the benefit of residents, workers and visitors to the RDCO Kelowna area. The methodologies and procedures employed for this mosquito control program are a hybrid of the most current approaches and techniques. Developed by DGRA over many operational seasons and through collaboration with mosquito and vector control professionals worldwide, this approach has been carefully, and specifically, adapted for the unique conditions of the local program area. The procedures employed by DGRA for this program support the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and include physical site reduction or modification, the conservation of natural predators and habitats, and the use of biological control products. Winter snowpack, Mission Creek levels and seasonal weather data are assembled and reviewed annually to develop, and refine predictive indices useful to forecast larval development onset and distributions. A public education and information strategy is described within the Regional District of Central Okanagan Mosquito Control Pest Management Plan, PMP # /20. It includes the maintenance of a 24 hour program response and message telephone line, website information and links, radio and television advertising and interviews. In addition, public information booths or display boards and/or staff are available for attendance at public events including festivals, fairs, trade shows, garden and craft shows etc., to further explain mosquitos, their biology, control products and program operations. All government regulatory agency conditions, notifications and reporting of operations were completed by DGRA, as required and appropriate. 2.0 PUBLIC EDUCATION AND INFORMATION Public input is invaluable to any community function and it is a key component of all successful, pro-active mosquito control programs. Residents, business operators and other stakeholders were encouraged to contact RDCO, or DGRA offices directly, to report potential mosquito

6 development habitat and adult mosquito annoyance. All requests for service (telephone calls, s) or for more program information are initially followed-up by DGRA through telephone contact. Where indicated, field biologists completed on-site inspections, often with property residents, to locate and review potential larval mosquito habitats. In addition to providing residents with information on how they can reduce larval development and annoyance around their properties, education initiatives help residents understand that the control program can only suppress mosquito populations, not eradicate them, and that some mosquito annoyance may be anticipated at certain locations, times of day and during some years. Public Information Meetings DGRA program biologists staffed a public information booth set-up at four locations during the 2016 summer season. Informational banners, a light trap and larval collections were on display and details on mosquito biology, life cycle and habitat types were presented and discussed with interested members of the general public. Brochures, colouring pages, temporary tattoos and instructions on how to build a bird or bat house were available to interested members of the public, parents and children. Date Event Location 02, June Peachland Farmers and Crafters Market Heritage Park, Beach Avenue Peachland 29, June 01, July Kelowna Farmers' & Crafter' Market Celebrate Canada Day- Kelowna 2016 Springfield Road & Dilworth Drive Waterfront Park, 1200 Water St 22, July Lake Country Farmer's and Crafters Market Swalwell Park, Bottom Wood Lake Road Lake Country Initial Property Inspections and Routine Contact In February 2016 the RDCO provided DGRA with KMZ files (maps) and a listing of sites previously identified ( ) as potential nuisance and West Nile virus (WNV) vector mosquito development habitat. Beginning in mid-march, DGRA personnel initiated contacts with property owners having previously identified larval mosquito development habitat to confirm access and program participation. With over 225 individual and accessible development site locations, with many of them on private, rural and agricultural lands and properties, these contacts provided an opportunity for field personnel to discuss control program operations, strategies and expected results with residents. Where practical, suggestions for eliminating, modifying or reducing mosquito habitat and adult mosquito annoyance on private and commercial properties were provided. 2 ~~ dgregan.com

7 ~.: Field biologists had regular conversations with staff at the various Golf and Country Clubs and with the operators/owners of recreational facilities, farmers, orchardists and residents throughout the season. These interactions provided opportunities for discussion of control program operations and practical suggestions to reduce mosquito populations where possible. Newspaper and Radio Interviews Mr. Bruce Smith, Communications and Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator for the RDCO coordinated all print, radio, social media (facebook, twitter) and web-based public education outreach for the 2016 Mosquito Control Program. Advertisements were placed on Castanet.net, in several local newspapers and local radio stations. Media releases and Public Service Announcements were also prepared by Mr. Smith and aired on SHAW Central Okanagan and eight cable TV channels. News media articles and advertisements provided updates on the status of local mosquito populations and provided useful information on program operations, product safety and actions residents could undertake to reduce mosquito habitat and annoyance around their properties. Program access and contact information (telephone, , website addresses) were also provided as part of every interview and article. Door knob message hangers. -- ~ \ #... -.~.,..-._ " ,..,,.._.,.;,.~:,., 0 OJ.-..J:--4- Y'W"'I-~ " }:~ - " <I --1""-~t ~ o.;v",... ; ;t:"~.;: ---~. _._ ;~~~:= r ~..... ~...:..-,..~-... Recognizing that residents are not always available to answer their door or to 11 return phone calls from our staff, 5orry We Missed You!" door knob message hangers were left at by DGRA biologists at homes during an initial site visit or in response to a request for service. These cards contained a brief summary of the property inspection, field staff observations or actions, and contact information for the program biologist. :~2.~::::. -- ~- These hangers provided a "closed-loop communication" with residents about -~-:;:::-:-..:-~-- what was done, or what needed to be done, on an individual property, in... ~~: : :.~:.,, --- response to a service request or as a result of field staff observations. These ~.:...:::":!:...- items resulted in some +20 return telephone calls by property residents to confirm their program participation and property access procedures, including gate keys, codes or dog names, if required. Informational Brochures Informational brochures provided by the RDCO were distributed by DGRA personnel to interested members of the public, residents and business or facility operators during property inspections and while staffing public education booths. These brochures summarized program operations, mosquito biology, tips for reducing mosquito habitat and annoyance. They also provided telephone, , website, facebook and twitter contact information for the RDCO. 3 '-----' dgregan.com

8 Websites and Increasingly, website searches and contact between program participants, residents, program managers and biologists is becoming more common and provides for an additional sources of information and program feedback. All public education materials provided interested individuals with and website contact addresses for the RDCO ( and DGRA Ltd. ( which also provided appropriate Regional, Provincial and Federal and Health offices, for additional, detailed information on local mosquito development and control, as links to other informative websites. In addition to the public education and information items provided directly through the RDCO, DGRA also provides information on mosquitos, their development and control through its corporate website. The public can also report adult mosquito annoyance and potential larval development sites (a waterbody) directly to DGRA via our corporate website ( "Mosquito Reporting Form" which also allows for the attachment of pictures and/or maps. Facebook, Twitter and You Tube As part of regular facebook and twitter posts by the Regional District which update the public on the various services available through the RDCO, Mr. Smith also provided regular postings, pictures and a small videos detailing the efforts of mosquito control program personnel. DGRA also maintains a presence on social media and provides informational updates, news articles, scientific study data, health information as it relates to mosquitos and disease (ie. West Nile virus, Zika), mosquito biology and general program updates on our Facebook and Twitter pages. DGRA Ltd. facebook account (@DGReganAndAssociates) allows us to engage more with the public through the posting of service announcements or observations and friendly reminders to empty containers of standing water, interesting news items and articles, and public health announcements. Public Communications and Telephone Contact In addition to using brochures, door knob messages, newspaper and radio advertisements to encourage the public to access the program through RDCO offices, DGRA also maintains a tollfree (DGRA) 24 hour phone line, with voic as an alternate point of contact. Property owners, residents and interested visitors can contact this number, staffed during the routine office hours, and depending on the time of the day, discuss their concerns with office personnel and/or leave a message for the program biologist. Our policy is to respond to public inquiries as soon as possible, typically within hours, and unless its a weekend, within hours. All DGRA personnel contacts with the general public, businesses and local facility operators this season were very positive. The high visibility of program biologists and proactive approach to 4

9 initiating conversations with residents and property owners including farmers, orchardists, and patrons at recreational facilities such as golf courses, restaurant patios and sport fields, ensured that the local public were very much aware of ongoing program operations and control efforts. Property owners were very helpfut providing consent and unhindered access for the purposes of surveying, monitoring and control. All property owners were educated on the importance of eliminating, or managing of water levels in small sources of mosquito development including buckets, tires, covered equipment or pools and ornamental ponds, as well as effective methods for reducing potential adult mosquito annoyance. A total of some 105 service calls, requests for more information or "return" phone calls were received by DGRA personnel for action between 02 March and 04 August A total of some 17 were from residents in West Kelowna, with most of these calls coming from the Shannon Lake area. Increased interest with respect to Zika virus and its news media coverage precipitated many calls for more information or for confirmation that the control was again underway and operating. All service requests were followed up with telephone contact and on-site inspection as warranted. 2016RDCO Service Requests Gallagher and MISSion Downtown and Glen more Lake Country Rutland and Airport West Kelowna Overall, area residents, facility operators and visitors reported to field personnel the near absence of adult mosquito annoyance this season. For areas where adult mosquito nuisance was noted, it was short-lived and no repeat service requests or reports annoyance were received. Residents and business owners were very appreciative of the services available to them through the annual control program. 5 dgregan.com

10 Program Reporting and Updates to the RDCO Managers from the RDCO Environmental Section, Community Services and RDCO Utility Services were provided with regular, monthly, written ( ) control program updates throughout the season. These reviewed weather, surveillance data, treatments and general program observations. Quarterly reports summarizing service requests, surveillance and treatment observations, results and budget status were also provided to the RDCO Utility Services by . In addition to written and verbal progress reports by telephone and , personal contact was maintained with RDCO program managers throughout the year. Field biologists also maintained regu lar contact with RDCO office reception personnel during the season to retrieve any service requests or reports of adult mosquito annoyance from the general public. 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND MOSQUITO POPULATIONS Mosquitos are best known as vectors of 'tropical' diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. Although these exotic afflictions are extremely rare in British Columbia, mosquitos can still pose a serious health concern. Diseases such as canine heartworm, Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) and West Nile virus (WNv) are transmitted between birds and mosquitos to family pets, humans, and livestock. Recently, the mosquito-associated flaviviral virus disease caused by Zika virus (ZIKV) has become a prominent health concern in several areas of the world, including the southern United States. Extreme allergic reactions or secondary infections from mosquito bites can occasionally require hospitalization. In addition to causing nuisance, many of the species occurring locally have a potential to further impact public health. The ability of a particular species to vector disease such as WNv was established through the assignment of a competency rating by the BC Centres for Disease Control, based on a number of factors including mosquito life-cycle, distribution and occurrence, preferred, and potential blood meal hosts. Species were ranked from ( 0 ), or no potential to transmit disease, to(++++), or the ability to readily, and effectively transmit the disease. Species with a WNv competency rating of (+++) and (++++) are the object of most vector-focused mosquito control programs. Since mosquitos capable of vectoring diseases to man are often the source of annoyance (human-biting), the control of mosquito populations known to cause nuisance also provides the benefit of protecting public health through the control of mosquito species having the potential to vector disease. Aedes eggs overwinter in soil along river banks, undisturbed fields and cottonwood or mixed forest where they can remain viable for upwards of 20 years. Egg hatching is dependent on flooding and temperatures. These mosquitos are aggressive biting pests, which prefer habitats including surface water, irrigation and snowmelt run-off, river floodwaters, seepage and precipitation accumulations in low-lying fields and deciduous forest areas. Since flooding, 6 ~":-: ~ dgregan.com

11 snowmelt or rainfall may immerse eggs several times in one season, each initiating a further hatch, regular surveillance and control of local species including Aedes punctor {0), Aedes vexans {++) and Aedes sticticus (+) in floodplains is required to control recurring development. Typically, decreasing river levels and increasing temperatures, evaporation and decreased precipitation during June and July allows many of these temporary habitats to dry, drain, and disappear. Anopheles, Culex and Culiseta mosquitos require a different set of cues to initiate the onset of larval development including increasing day length and temperatures. They prefer permanent and slow-draining, or frequently-refilled sites including natural and man-made irrigation and display ponds, ditches, tire and tractor ruts, and containers such as stored tires, boats and buckets or livestock watering troughs. Species such as Culex tarsalis (++++L a highly competent WNv disease vector which will enter houses and bite readily, are able to withstand a high degree of pollution and can inhabit areas with high organic content, including septic field seepage, sewage lagoons and livestock hoof prints around barns, feed lots and along creeks. Other species like Culex pipiens (+++)and Culiseta inornata (+++)are common mosquitos of freshwater habitats utilizing ponds, ditches, and temporary sites including tire ruts, catch basins and containers. 3.1 Winter Snowpack, Weather and Mission Creek Levels The amount of winter snowfall accumulations in local mountains and their subsequent melt in late spring and early summer have a direct impact on local river and lake levels and the extent of flooding observed in low-lying fields, ranch lands and undeveloped forested areas. Temperature and precipitation (weather) impacts on mosquito development and survival can vary. Weather conditions during April, May and June can either amplify, or reduce, the amount of snowpack melt and the resultant magnitude, and persistence, of flood and seepage water accumulations. Later in the season, during June, July and August temperatures and precipitation totals can impact development site size, persistence and larval activity. Adult mosquito activity is affected by temperatures and humidity. Winter Snowpack Okanagan snowpack levels during the period 01 January to 01 April 2016 were all above average, ranging from % of normal. Extremely warm temperatures during April 2016 caused a rapid melting of snowpack accumulations. Snowpack accumulations decreased from 131% of normal on 01 April, to 75% by 01 May, to just 35% of normal by 15 May, {Appendix, Table 1, Chart 1 below). ~ -d-gr_e_g_a-n.-c-om

12 2016 Normal Percent Snow Pack - Okanagan - 100%ofNormal 140% 120% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 01 Jan 01Feb 01 Mar 01 A!r 01 May 15 May Chart 1: Snow Surveys: Percent of normal (100%) Snow Pack for 01 January - 15 May 2016, Okanagan. ( Weather Overall weather conditions for Kelowna area during the 2016 spring and summer were "warmer and drier" than the recent average for (Appendix, Table 1, Chart 2 below). 25 f :1 ~ E 10 ~ c:.. ~ Kelowna RDCO Monthly Mean Temperature & Precipitation Totals so E 35 :;; 30 : {:. 25 c: 20!.. 15 i 10 ~ 5 ~ 0 - Precrp 2016 c=jprecrp. Avg Temp ~Temp. Avg Chart 2: Monthly mean temperature and precipitation totals for March- August 2016 compared with the averages. Measured at Kelowna UBCO, ID # ' ' dgregan.com

13 Mean monthly temperatures at Kelowna for the months March through August 2016 were all above average, except July, which was 2.2oC below average. The warmest months were March through May March and May were 1.1oC above average and April as 4.5oC above average. June and August were oC above average. Overall precipitation amounts for the spring and summer, March - August, 2016 were below average (93%) with 145.3mm recorded at Kelowna UBCO. The average for was 156.9mm. Precipitation during the first half of the season, March-May was just 65% of the recent average, while precipitation totals for June-August 2016 were 124% of average, ( Mission Creek Levels Increasing Mission Creek levels and the related seepage water accumulations flood adjacent lowlying fields, deciduous forests and also may impact water levels in old channels, sloughs and adjacent Typha marshes. Flooding of this type, depending on its duration, can be sufficient to cause widespread larval eclosion (egg hatching) and development. A review of larval sampling and treatment data from this season suggests that a Mission Creek level of 1.4m, measured at East Kelowna STN # 08NM116, will cause widespread flooding and recurrent larval development. The magnitude and extent of flooding, and subsequent larval development is dependent on the duration of high creek levels. Table: Mission Creek levels measured near East Kelowna, (STN 10 # 08NM116) Year Freshet [)Jration +1.4m Peak River Level Date April 24 May 30 days 2.00m 23-May June-03 June 02 days 1.44m 02-Jun 2014 No Data No Data No Data No Data 2013 OS May- 26June 29 days 1.89m l~hun April 04 Ju ly 41 days 1.95m lo.jun May-22June 39 days 1.78m 07-Jun lou-2015 Avg. N/A 27.7 days 1.76m N/A Several seasons of observations and comparison of larval development onset and distribution with Creek levels will allow a 'larval development threshold' to be developed. Once identified, this thresholds will be useful for forecasting widespread, synchronous larval development and the need for surveillance of low-lying farm fields and forested areas located along Mission Creek. 9

14 2.1 Mission Creek levels E j L5 s 1.3 ~." 11 - ~ Apr 16-Apr 1-May 16-May 31-May 15-Jun 3Q-Jun 15-Jul 3Q-Jul 14-Aug Threshold Figure 1: Mission Creek Levels, measured at East Kelowna (STN # 08NM116), (www. wateroffice.ec.gc.ca) 3.2 Larval Mosquito Populations The unseasonably warm weather conditions of spring 2016 were such that larval development was observed on 22 and 23 March was observed in numerous ponds and marshes, both temporary and permanent, located the program. Above average temperatures during March-May 2016, combined with an above average snowpack, provide for an early snowmelt and above average Mission Creek levels and flooding. Water accumulations and larval development in flood and seepage water habitats adjacent Mission Creek were observed the first week of April, several weeks earlier than reported in past seasons. Open water development sites The primary sources of nuisance mosquito development for residents and businesses of the program area are flood and seepage water-influenced sloughs, ponds and depressions located along the Mission Creek drainage and numerous permanent and fluctuating natural and manmade ponds, marshes, ditches located throughout the program. Variable in size, meandering in nature and often with difficult ground access for control, the majority of these sites are located in farmed fields, forest or treed areas, undeveloped lands and on rural properties. Many of these sites are typically filled with snowmelt and precipitation run-off as early as mid-march or early April. Increasing Mission Creek levels during April and May cause increased flooding and seepage waters to accumulate in low lying areas adjacent the Creek and outside its dykes. Precipitation, 10 dgregan.com

15 humidity and daytime temperatures during June, July and August influence the extent and persistence of mosquito habitats and populations. During March, April and May, DGRA personnel regularly reviewed (websites) local snow pack conditions and long range weather forecasts. Mission Creek levels were monitored (websites) on a near-daily basis beginning in mid-april and through to July. Ongoing site surveillance during the 2016 season confirmed water levels, site permanence and size, development site status and allowed new or previously unidentified mosquito development habitat to be identified. New, or changing larval habitats were catalogued and added to the development site database for future monitoring and treatment, as required. Beginning the third week of March, DGRA field biologists completed initial surveys to verify the size, location and access to previously identified larval mosquito habitat. Thereafter, regular surveys and sampling of accessible mosquito development habitat ensured that larvae were identified and controlled in a timely manner. Left untreated, and under ideal conditions, larval mosquitos can complete their development to the adult stage in as little as 5-7 days, although typically larval development requires 7-14 days. Larval mosquito densities of just one larva per 350ml dip sample, in an area as small as a backyard swimming pool (50m 2 ), can produce thousands of adult mosquitos over the course of a season. Larval samples were collected for identification from active larval development sites during the season using a standard ml dipper. Larval development and samples were first collected on 23 March 2016, and thereafter on a regular basis until 24 August All samples were preserved and forwarded for taxonomic identification. The frequent sampling protocols employed for this program ensured timely larval detection and control, but also resulted in the collection of first instar larvae as a proportion of samples. Because of their small size and immaturity, not all 1 51 instar specimens could be identified to species. In these situations, larval specimens were identified to genus. A total of 248 larval samples were collected and 2084 specimens identified. Eighteen species of larval mosquitos were collected during 2016 sampling; nine Aedes, three Culex, four Culiseta and two Anopheles, (Table 1, Chart 3 below). All of these species, with the exception of Culex territans, which prefers to bite amphibians, are capable of developing multiple generations during the season and causing reportable, and occasionally extreme annoyance, especially Aedes, which are noted as aggressive biters of man and animals (Belton 1983). The most common mosquito species collected as larvae during 2016 were from the genus Culex, accounting for 36% of all larvae collected between 23 March and 24 August Collected from flood and seepage water-influenced sites, marshes and permanent ponds with fluctuating water levels, Aedes mosquitos accounted for some 30% of all larval samples identified, Culiseta for 27%, and Anopheles 7% of larval specimens identified dgregan.com

16 2016 Larval Sampling Summary 2016 Total 30% 20% 10% 0% -:-1. _ I Chart 3: Larval mosquito identifications. Species composition based 2084 specimens collected from various development site types, 30 March to 01 September A comparison of larval species distributions over the course of the 2016 summer indicated that there was a change in the diversity, populations and larval species occurrence over the course of the season. While Aedes, Culex, Culiseta and Anopheles were all collected during the first half of the season, March - May 2016, Culex and Culiseta larvae were the predominant larvae in later, June-August, summer collections (Chart 4, below). Aedes mosquitos were the most numerous during the first half of the season, accounting for 45% of larvae collected before the end of May larval Sampling March- May June- August 50% 30% 20% 10% 0% -- - ~- Chart 4: Larval mosquito identifications. Separated into early season, March-May 2016, and late season June-August 2016, populations dgregan.com

17 The predominance of Culex and Culiseto larvae later in the seasons is was not unexpected. Aedes mosquitos prefer temporary, flood, seepage and snowmelt habitats which typically exist during the first half of a season. Culiseto and Culex on the other hand, make use of permanent development sites such as natural and man-made ponds, marshes and ditches and temporary, slow draining, flood or seepage water accumulations. Responding to a more complex set of parameters including temperatures and day length, they are most common later in a typical season. In addition to the potential to cause extreme annoyance, Aedes vexons {++) and Ae. sticticus {+), have also been identified by the BC Centres for Disease Control {BCCDC) as potential vectors of West Nile virus {WNv). While not as numerous as Aedes, Culex and Culiseto mosquitos can also be a source of reported annoyance late into the fall and many species are recognized vectors of WNv. As highly competent vectors of WNv, control of larval populations, including Culex torso/is {++++) and Culiseto inornota {+++) as part of the annual program reduces overall potential annoyance, and protects the public health. Catch basins The most widespread development habitat within the RDCO are roadside catch basins (CBs). With over 10,000 CBs located along public roadways and parking lots, they provide a potential source of adult mosquitos in built-up and developing residential, commercial and industrial areas. Given the intent of catch basins is to collect water run-off to moderate flow rates and inputs into ravine and stream systems, and to also allow organic and other material to settle out, these sites often contain water for extended periods of time. Precipitation and surface water run-off from human activities including lawn watering, car and equipment washing, pool or hot tub cleaning or drainage etc. can increase the number, and extend the amount of time these sites retain water. Several years of catch basin sampling has confirmed they can produce large populations of larvae, typically Culex pipiens {++), an aggressive nuisance pest and very competent vector of West Nile virus (BCCDC, 2005). Culex pipiens and Culex torso/is(++++) were collected locally in Sampling for the presence of water and mosquito larvae was completed for 27 catch basin "clusters", comprising a total of 110 catch basins. These clusters, consisting of 3-4 catch basins each, were distributed throughout the control program to provide a representative sampling of larval activity onset. Roadside catch basin clusters were sampled on a weekly basis, beginning the first week of June, and through to mid-august. Routine monitoring of catch basins during the 2016 season noted that larval mosquito development initially increased gradually during the month of June. BY the third week of June larval development within catch basins was widespread and treatments were completed. Sampling during July, post treatment, noted larval populations to again gradually increase, and again observed to be widespread by the third week of July. 13

18 3.3 Adult Mosquito Populations Although larval population surveys and treatment activities are ongoing throughout the summer, adult mosquito annoyance may arise from untreated sites located within control program boundaries, or with wind-blown mosquitos emerging from areas outside the control program. To objectively measure the success and effectiveness of larviciding efforts for residents, adult mosquito population distributions and annoyance were monitored during the season. Program personnel routinely assessed adult mosquito populations by measuring annoyance through biting or landing counts, observation and input from residents and property owners. A "Standard Bite/Landing Count" involves exposing the forearm for a one minute period and counting the mosquitos which land to bite, or attempt to bite, in that time period. Using an aspirator and pill bottles, this method allows for adult mosquito specimens to be collected while they are actively attempting to, or landing to, bite field personnel. These biting/landing counts were typically completed while sampling larval development habitats and during the setting up and retrieval of light trap sampling equipment. The second method of adult mosquito population assessment employed standard CDC (Atlanta} light traps. These use 6-Volt batteries to operate a sma ll black light bulb (ultraviolet} and fan. The ultraviolet light acts as an attractant for female mosquitos and the fan forces them into a collection jar. Light traps were typically set up late in the afternoon or early evening and left to run over night or for several days. Light traps, and their samples, were retrieved the following morning, or on the next site visit with any captured specimens forwarded to the laboratory for enumeration and identification. Benefits associated with these t raps include an objective, reproducible sampling method and t he collection of undamaged specimens. A total of four locations were selected for routine, and repeated, weekly sampling using light trap equipment. Traps were set at three other locations in response to resident reports of localized adult mosquito annoyance, (Table below}. Light traps were set up on 38 separate occasions to collect mosquito samples between 06 June and 10 August Mosquitos landing to bite were collected by DGRA field biologists on 31 occasions between 06 April and 14 June Table: Light trap sampling locations, duration and number of samples collected. Sampflng l ocation Sampling Date #of Sampling Nights ConbraWay 08June 1 Capistrano Peaks 08June 1 TuttRanch 10 August 1 Gordon Drive 13 June-08 August 7 Hall Road 13 June - 08 August 7 North Glenm ore Road 16 June-08 August 7 Greenaw Court 16 June - 08 August 7 14 '---~. dgregan.com

19 Light trap and bite count sampling was effective in collecting a va riety of adult mosquitos. A total of 99 adult mosquito specimens were collected while they were landing to bite. A further 268 adult mosquitos were collected by light trap sampling activities. Adult specimens collections from landing/biting count sampling, completed during the early half of the summer, not surprisingly collected predominantly Aedes mosquitos, (Table 2, Chart 5 below) Landing to Bite Sampling April May June 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%.J Chart 5: Adult mosquito collections. A total of 99 specimens collected by field biologists while they were landing to bite, 06 April - 14 June Adult Blac:klight Sampling 50% June July August Chart 6: Adult mosquito collections. A total of 268 specimens collected by field biologists using light trap sampling equipment, 06 June- 10 August dgregan.com

20 A total of twenty two different mosquito species were collected as adults during 2016, (Table 2, Chart 5 and Chart 6 above}. Fourteen species of Aedes mosquitos, two Anopheles, three Culex and three Culiseta. As noted with larval sample results, Aedes mosquitos were most numerous as adults during the early part of the summer, June and July, and Culex and Culiseta during July and August. 4.0 MOSQUITO CONTROL AND POPULATION MANAGEMENT The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO} Nuisance and Vector Mosquito Control Program employed a pro-active, IPM approach to control which maximizes the environmental compatibility and sustainability of the annual program. The mosquito control program reduces the potential for adult mosquito annoyance by focusing efforts on the identification and control, or prevention, of larval mosquito development. Factors limiting program success are extreme, or prolonged Mission Creek levels, above average snowpack and/or rate of melt, weather conditions, larvicide treatment scope (total area treated} and frequency of surveillance and application.. A major emphasis for effective management of mosquito populations in the program area involves the timely surveillance and control of the widespread and synchronous hatching of predominantly Aedes mosquitos early in the season. With recurrent, or extended flooding of Mission Creek or frequent precipitation during April and May, Aedes could have multiple hatches of larval development. Routine sampling of flood and seepage water habitats and correlation with melting snowpack, fluctuating pond or marsh levels and precipitation ensures accurate treatment timing and scope within available program resources. Permanent ponds, which includes both natural and man-made, marshes, settling or surface water collection ponds, irrigation and display ponds, provide season-long larval mosquito development habitat. For many of these sites, initial development comprised of Aedes is followed by Culex, Culiseta and Anopheles larval development. Some of the most prolific development sites in the RDCO are permanent ponds and marshes which require repeated sampling and treatment. Program biologists identify larval mosquito development sites which can be eliminated, reduced in size, or altered to limit their use by mosquitos and these observations are shared with property owners, facility or business operators and public works crews. Restoring the flow through manmade ditches or ponds can reduce their suitability as mosquito development sites. The removal or regular drainage of containers such as tires, livestock watering troughs, barrels, uncovered or unused pools or boats and canoes is easily done and eliminates their potential to produce mosquitoes. Where it was appropriate, property owners and public works personnel are provided with specific recommendations for reducing larval development habitat and adult mosquito annoyance. 16

21 Large-scale, physical alterations of the low-lying areas adjacent Mission Creek and the filling, drainage or alteration of most natural and man-made marshes, ponds and ditch systems is impractical, undesirable or fiscally prohibitive. The nature, purpose and intent of many of these permanent ponds and marshes requires that they not be eliminated, and as such, routine surveillance and treatment of developing larval populations is required. For these sites, the only practical solution for reducing mosquito populations is through the use of the granular, biological mosquito larvicides such as VectoBac 200G (PCP # 18158) or VectoLex CG (28008). Catch basins can provide season-long larval development habitat and best treated with VectoLex WSP (PCP # 28009). Alternative larval control products such as juvenile growth hormone mimics can have negative impacts on other aquatic insects, arthropods and amphibians and are not used in the program developed for the RDCO by DGRA. VectoBac 200G contains bacterial spores of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, (Bti), and its mode of action is on the larval mosquito stomach. It is very specific, producing rapid lethal effects in larval mosquitoes within hours. It has no residual activity, does not bioaccumulate and has no impact on beneficial organisms found in mosquito development habitats. The timing of all VectoBac 200G applications ensured they were directed at the most susceptible larval instar stages. VectoBac 200G is recommended by the manufacturer for use in standing water habitats including temporary and permanent pools in pastures and forested areas, irrigation or roadside ditches, natural marshes or estuarine areas, waters contiguous to fish-bearing waters, catch basins and sewage lagoons. Similar to VectoBac 200G, VectoLex CG also contains a naturally occurring, spore-forming soil bacterium. VectoLex CG contains spores and crystals produced by Bacillus sphaericus. It also is classed as a bio-rational, rather than conventional, pesticide. Like VectoBac, VectoLex acts on the larval mosquito stomach and must be eaten to be effective. VectoLex is very specific and produces lethal effects in a narrow range of mosquito species, including Aedes vexans and most Culex mosquito species. It does not have any effects on man or animals, fish and other insects which may use these aquatic habitats. Operationally, the important differences between VectoLex and VectoBac are speed of action and persistence in the larval habitat. Larval mortality can take several days for VectoLex versus several hours with VectoBac 200G. This occurs because B. sphaericus is more stable, has a slower settling rate in the water column and the unique ability for its spores to germinate, grow and reproduce in dead mosquito larvae. This is known as recycling and is the mechanism which allows VectoLex to provide long-term, extended control (in excess of 28 days in the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland) of recurring larval mosquito development. VectoLex CG is recommended by the manufacturer for use in standing water habitats including temporary and permanent pools in pastures and woodlots, irrigation or roadside ditches, natural marshes or estuarine areas, waters contiguous to fish-bearing waters, catch basins and sewage lagoons. A total of kilograms of VectoBac 200G were applied to a total area of hectares of active larval mosquito development habitat, (Table 3). A total of some 144 sites were treated a 17. dgregan.com

22 total of 573 separate occasions. Although a number of sites were only treated on one or two occasions during 2016, many sites were treated 3 or 4 times and some sites were treated upwards of 10 times. The Glenmore Landfill (Sites GM 19a-f) was one of the largest sites, and most prolific and was treated on 16 occasions during Comprised of numerous, shallow ponds, this area required 40% of all VectoBac 200G applied during Another prolific habitat located in the UBCO campus area was Site GM7 which required treatment on 14 separate occasions and required some 10% (73.85 kg) of all VectoBac applied during Other larval development habitats which stood out in 2016 for their recurrent larval development were Site DK4, a large permanent pond on Knox Mountain Drive which was active with larval development on 5 occasions. Site GM 22, a shallow permanent lake and the end of Curtis Road and several roadside ditches and swampy areas on several private properties here experienced recurrent larval mosquito this season. Influenced by precipitation and surface water accumulations these sites were repeated infested with larval development during the seasons. Treatments to habitats were suspended late in the season following a demand by a resident of Curtis Road. The dispute, related to road access, between property owners along Curtis Road and UBCO has been settled, and regular access for treatments will need to be re-established for Also resurfacing of a section of Curtis Road has increased water accumulations and larval development in an adjacent property. The grading of ditches and culvert heights may need to be adjusted to facilitate drainage of this area. The temporarily flooded sites along Mission Creek in the Gordon Drive, Cardoso Road, Benvoulin Road and the Mission Creek Golf and Country Club were the most active with larval development during April and May when temporary flooding was greatest. Permanent sites in these areas produced mosquitos throughout the 2016 season and several sites MIS-3, MIS-18, MIS-22 and MIS-23 were each treated between 6 and 10 times this season. DGRA personnel surveyed some 110 catch basins, divided into 27 "clusters" of 3-4 catch basins, distributed throughout the control program, on a regular, weekly basis beginning June With the identification of widespread larval development underway, DGRA surveyed over 10,000 roadside catch basins for the presence, or absence of water, during each sampling and treatment campaign of A total of 8957 catch basins were treated between June 2016 and a further 9191 catch basins were treated July All catch basins holding water at the time of treatment inspection were treated with Vectolex WSP. Ongoing surveillance of sampling clusters through the third week of August confirmed that effective, extended control of developing larvae was achieved. Post-application monitoring of all VectoBac 200G and Vectolex WSP applications indicated excellent results had been achieved, with observed mortalities typically greater than 95%. Adult mosquito monitoring and anecdotal reports from residents, businesses, golf course operators and visitors confirmed that adult mosquito annoyance for the great majority of RDCO residents, workers and visitors was minimal or non-existent during

23 5.0 CONTROL PROGRAM EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Mosquito control programs should be evaluated annually and results of the expanded efforts this year confirm that it continues to meet the needs of residents. The goal of the annual nuisance and vector mosquito control program is to limit the extent, or duration of adult mosquito annoyance for the benefit of the great majority of residents, businesses and visitors. 5.1 Public Relations and Education Regular and routine interactions with residential and rural property owners, golf course managers, farmers, orchardists and their staff, brochures and 'door knob hangers' provided residents and area visitors with practical, useful information and updates on control program operations. Regular newspaper and radio articles and advertisements, social media posts and public information booths set-up at a number of farmers and crafters markets and community events provided additional and current information about ongoing program operations. Responding to resident requests for service allows program personnel to locate new or previously undetected development habitat and provides an opportunity to discuss mosquito control program operations and goals. These contacts have been demonstrated to provide valuable information about sources of adult mosquito annoyance and larval development sites. The cardboard door knob message 'hangers' ensured contact with residents who might have been home during routine sampling and follow-up inspections. It was an excellent media that updated property owners about site status and facilitated follow-up with the program biologist. Some twenty service requests (telephone calls) were received by DGRA in response to these items being left at properties when residents were not home. The large majority of residents and visitors reported the near absence of adult mosquito annoyance this season. Isolated reports of adult mosquito annoyance were however received from the Glenmore and Mission areas early in the season. This annoyance was short-lived and by mid-may and early June adult mosquito populations in these areas were minimal. Residents were very appreciative of the services available to them and were always helpful to program personnel. All field and management staff contacts with the general public, businesses and recreational facility operators were very positive and supportive of the annual control program. 5.2 Surveying, Monitoring and Control A review of winter snow pack, weather and water levels in local streams, rivers and lakes, in conjunction with a sound knowledge of mosquito biology, species complex and local development habitats are required to ensure timely surveying, monitoring and control of mosquito development. Regular surveying and monitoring of larval habitats (water bodies) and adult harbourage (treed, woodland) areas for the presence of mosquitos determines the need for 19

24 control. Left unchecked, larval mosquitos would complete their development to become a source of adult mosquito annoyance. A review of the limited larval distribution and developmental onset dataset collected in this first year {2016) of operations, compared with available weather data and creek levels from the previous five years appears to suggest that Mission Creek levels of 1.4m can initiate larval development in adjacent flood and seepage waters sites. Similar review of precipitation patterns and temperatures with larval development at some of the larger, permanent habitats including the Glenmore Landfill, the shallow lake and seepage/spring fed sites along Curtis Road at UBCO and for a number of sites in the Knox Mountain and Kelowna Airport area. Larval and adult mosquito population data collected this season, and that from the next few years will be evaluated in light of local snowpack, weather conditions and Mission Creek levels. Several years of data collection and comparison with larval population will further establish the veracity of this larval development threshold. Review of this data will help to establish predictive indices for larval mosquito development within the RDCO control program boundaries. Aedes mosquitos were collected as larvae throughout other 2016 season and were the most numerous early in the season. In March and April Aedes accounted for 73% of all larvae collected, in May 17%, and in June, July and August, less than 1%. Aedes punctor, Aedes sticticus and Aedes vexans were the predominant species of larvae collected early in the season. In May 2016, Culex torso/is accounted for 30%, and Culiseta impatiens accounted for 25% of all larvae collected that month. During June, July and August, Culex torso/is and Culiseta inornata were the predominant species collected as larvae. Light trap sampling showed a similar pattern as larvae, with Aedes accounting for 27% of all adult specimens collected from June to August. Culex and Culiseta accounted for a total of 63%, and Anopheles 10% of adult specimens collected in light traps. Capable of vectoring diseases such as West Nile virus (WNv), control of Aedes vexans (++) and Ae. sticticus (+) and the highly competent vectors, Culex tarsalis (++++)and Culiseta inornata (+++),and some other 10 vector species common to the area, not only reduces mosquito annoyance, but also potential health risks to the general public from WNv. Ground-based treatment to accessible habitats controlled recurrent larval mosquito development in areas located adjacent to private residences, commercial operations and recreational facilities, golf courses and sport field areas. The magnitude of these treatments is determined by a variety of factors, not limited to, but including, property owner permission, site type and access, weather and Mission Creek levels which will vary from season to season. A review of 2016 program success and operations with Mission Creek levels, winter snowpack accumulations, precipitation totals and average summer temperatures suggests that 2016 was an "average" year for larval development and treatment. The levels of effort expended during

25 for surveillance and control resulted in the treatment of some 99 hectares of open water habitat and 18,148 catch basins. The scope of ground-based treatments required in an "average" season have yet to be determined but are likely similar to that observed in 2016, and are likely the annual minimum requirement. Seasons with above average Mission Creek levels, precipitation and temperatures may require additional treatments. Several seasons of larval surveillance and treatments, and correlation with meteorological and hydrological conditions will further define the appropriate scope of operations. 5.3 Environmental An important element for control of mosquito populations nearest residential areas is the reduction or elimination of larval mosquito habitats. Locally, this practice should include physical mosquito control through source reduction (filling, ditching, and draining) or the reestablishment of flows is a preferred method of control. Once completed it requires either no further attention or minimal maintenance to exclude further larval development. For pond sites where this is not possible, measures could include enhancing predator habitat (fish access) and installing fountains or water baffles to increase water movement and reduce their suitability for larval development. Removal or alteration of mosquito producing habitat does not necessarily mean drainage resulting in habitat destruction for other organisms and natural predators. Property owners are encouraged as part of all public education initiatives to manage stagnant and non-flowing waters to minimize their use as sources for mosquito development. Physical control of mosquito development sites should include removal of tires and screening of containers such as rain gutters or barrels and the maintenance of water levels in livestock watering troughs, bird baths and display or fish ponds. The removal, or routine draining, of water holding containers such as buckets or uncovered outdoor containers eliminates t hem as a source of mosquito development. Given that physical elimination of most natural, open water mosquito development habitats occurring within the area is impractical or undesirable, widespread mosquito populations occurring in the RDCO are best controlled using bio-rational larvicides containing Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (VectoBac) or Bacillus sphaericus (Vectolex). All field personnel are certified as Pesticide Applicators in the category of 'Mosquito and Biting Fly Abatement' by the BC Ministry of Environment. Prior to any pesticide application field personnel review and confirm all the information contained within the development site database and through regular and ongoing contacts with property owners. The procedures, methodologies, and control products employed in this annual program are described in detail in the Regional District of Central Okanagan Mosquito Control Pest Management Plan {PMP} # /21. It supports the principles of an environmentally 21 dgregan.com

26 sustainable Integrated Pest Management approach to mosquito surveillance and control. PMP is valid for five years and expires on 03May The 5.4 West Nile virus and Zika virus Update West Nile virus The BC Centre for Disease Control ( coordinates the Province of Be's West Nile virus (WNv) surveillance and response programs. Surveillance is performed in BC by testing humans, horses, mosquitos and birds for WNv. The BCCDC developed (2003) the Arbovirus Surveillance and Response Guidelines for British Columbia and coordinated the Provinces response and program funding through community and Regional District operated West Nile virus (WNv) Mosquito Surveillance and Pre-emptive Larval Control Programs during the period Human testing occurs via blood and organ donations, and through physician requested tests. Horses that present with symptoms are seen by veterinarians and tested by private labs or the Animal Health Centre. Mosquitos are trapped in some regions, and sent to the BCCDC for identification and testing. Only Culex species are tested because they are the primary mosquito vector. In certain situations, clusters of dead birds belonging to the corvid family (ravens, crows, magpies and jays) may be tested at the Animal Health Centre because they may die from the virus. Due to the low and stable incidence of WNv throughout much of the province, and the existence of numerous, operational mosquito surveillance and control programs it was decided by the BCCDC in the fall of 2014 that it was no longer necessary for it to conduct active surveillance of mosquitos or other indicators. The provincial decision to eliminate this surveillance was reached at the BC Communicable Disease Policy Advisory Committee meeting in February Human clinical testing will continue. This annual RDCO Nuisance and Vector Mosquito Control Program monitors mosquito populations and provides pro-active control of developing larval populations. This approach ensures that both nuisance and disease causing mosquitos are readily identified and their larvae treated in a timely fashion, and before they can emerge as adults. This suppresses local mosquito populations, reduces mosquito nuisance and contributes to the protection of public health. Zika (ZIKV) virus Zika virus disease is a mosquito-associated flaviviral disease caused by Zika virus (ZIKV). It is related to other Flaviviridae, including Japanese encephalitis, West Nile, Yellow Fever, St. Louis Encephalitis and Dengue viruses. 22 I~ f"-.."-': dgregan.com

27 The virus was first identified in humans in the 1950s. From the virus was reported from African countries and parts of Asia. In 2007 the first major outbreak occurred in Micronesia in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Between significant outbreaks were noted on islands and archipelagos of the Pacific Region and included a large outbreak in French Polynesia. In early 2015, Zika virus emerged in South America with outbreaks in Brazil and Colombia. Health Canada ( ) is closely monitoring the occurrence and distribution of Zika (ZIKV) virus within Canada and around the world. Changes in scientific information are continually monitored and updates provided to the Canadian public on an as needed basis. The National Microbiology Laboratory is able to detect the virus and offers testing support to the provinces and territories. As of September 2016, 250 travel related cases and 2 sexually transmitted cases and 2 reports of maternal-to-fetal transmission had been recorded in Canada. For most individuals, as with West Nile virus, ZIKV will have little to no serious health impact. However, infection with ZIKV can cause rare but severe outcomes such as Guillain Barre Syndrome (possible paralysis), congenital abnormalities (microcephaly) in the fetus and some ZIKV-associated deaths in adults. The primary vector of ZIKV (as well as Dengue and Yellow fever virus) is Aedes aegypti, a tropical to subtropical mosquito which develops in containers. Aedes albopictus has been implicated as a vector, though its role in the current outbreak is unknown. Local transmission in Canada would require the presence of a species of mosquito that can be infected with, and transmit, ZIKV to human hosts. The likelihood that Ae. aegypti will become established in an area of Canada under current climatic conditions is estimated as Very Low. A potential secondary vector, Ae. albopictus, occurs throughout the United States, including the southern parts of some Eastern States and upper Midwest states that border Canada. The likelihood that this species will become established in any area of Canada under current climatic condition is considered Low. Aedes japonicus has been identified in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley (2014) and the Niagra Region of Ontario (2004). It is now the fifth most common mosquito in Ontario, Ae. japonicus is "high on the list" as a potential ZIKV vector and subject of study (Fiona Hunter, 2016). About dozen other species (Culex and Culiseta) already in Canada can transmit other flavaviral diseases and could also be potential vectors of Zika virus (Fiona Hunter, 2016). As part of West Nile virus surveillance programs, several provinces continue to conduct routine mosquito surveillance activities. Provinces, Regional Districts and Municipalities are responsible for the control of mosquito populations. Health Canada advises that in the future, consideration could be given to enhancing mosquito surveillance to detect an incursion of new or invasive mosquito species in Canada. This would include those species responsible for Zika virus transmission. 23