NYTimes Op-Ed: Place for DDT for WNV? (2)

Feedback on the New York Times Op-Ed piece distributed earlier this afternoon:

[1]
From: "Ninivaggi, Dominick" <Dominick.Ninivaggi@co.suffolk.ny.us>
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2003

I think it's important to note that when DDT is used for malaria control, it
is mostly applied to the interiors of homes to kill or repel resting
mosquitoes. The adverse environmental impacts of such a limited use
probably are minimal, and well worth it in areas where malaria is a serious
problem. The US should not stand in the way of letting countries that have
malaria use this material when, in their context, that's the best choice.

Do we need DDT to control WNV in the US? I suspect not. We have many
materials that are far less persistent and are more specific to mosquitoes,
and they work fine. What's needed are three things 1)adequate surveillance
to determine when pesticides are needed 2) The resources to be able to
properly use modern materials where and when they are needed; 3) The will to
use these materials when it's necessary. Item 3 depends on seeing through
the myths about pesticides.

[2]
From: "Carsen, Dannie CAWS:EX" <Dannie.Carsen@gems1.gov.bc.ca>
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2003

Interesting piece on DDT and the justification for using it on mosquitoes.
As a birder and a naturalist, I don't support the use of DDT. I believe that
there must be better ways than potent adulticides to supress the risk of
arboviruses. Indeed, I think that there is little evidence to support
mosquito control as effective in the spread of West Nile.

Does anyone have good evidence on the effectiveness of mosquito control
(especially adulticide) on the spread of West Nile?

Regards,

Dannie Carsen
Research Analyst
Intergovernmental Relations and Planning Division
Ministry of Community, Aboriginal, and Woman's Services
PO Box 9490 Stn Prov Govt
4th Floor, 800 Johnson Street
Victoria, BC V8W 9N7

250-387-2188 (phone)
250-387-7972 (fax)

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