HomeMy WebLinkAboutOPD-008-02
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REPORT
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
Meeting:
GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION CO'MMITTEE
Date: May 6, 2002
Report #: OPD-008-02
File #: )/0 tj
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By-Law #:
Subject:
West Nile Virus
Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and
Administration Committee recommend to the following:
1. THAT Report OPD-OOB-02 be received; and
2. THAT the Municipality of Clarington endorse the West Nile Virus Response
Plan in Principle
3. THAT the Region of Durham Health Department be advised of Council's
direction
Reviewed cJ f-a.~{y~ 1,,,---,""k
., R.O.MR, R.R.FA Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P.
Chief Administrative Officer
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REPORT NO.: OPD-008-02
PAGE 2
1.0 BACKGROUND
The West Nile Virus causes a viral disease and is spread to humans by
mosquitoes. West Nile Virus was first identified in the Western Hemisphere in
New York City in 1999. On August 22,2001 the first West Nile Virus positive
birds were identified in Windsor and Oakville, Ontario. The first positive bird
in Durham Region was submitted on August 29, 2001. In 2001, five West
Nile Virus positive birds were confirmed in Durham Region, all in the Town of
Whitby. In Ontario the 2001 surveillance yielded about one hundred and
twenty-one positive birds in twelve health units and positive mosquito findings
in Peel Region and Windsor. On May 23, 2001 the Regional Council of
Durham received the final draft of the Durham Region West Nile Virus
Response Plan and it was forwarded to the area municipalities for review and
approval.
2.0 WEST NILE VIRUS RESPONSE PLAN
The aim of the response plan for the Region of Durham is to ensure that there
is an effective response to the presence of the West Nile Virus in the Region.
The Objectives of the Plan are:
. To limit the impact of the West Nile Virus on human health
. To reduce the availability of mosquito breeding grounds
. To educate the public about personal protective measures
. To provide timely, authoritative information on the West Nile Virus to
health professionals, the public and the media
. To employ the principals of Integrated Pest Management to reduce the
risk that mosquitoes could pose to humans.
2.1 Reaion of Durham Health Department
The plan involves all area municipalities and the Durham Region Health
Department. The Region will lead the communication on information, co-
ordinate sentinel bird surveillance, conduct mosquito surveillance, investigate
human cases of the West Nile Virus, maintain inventory of municipal maps
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REPORT NO.: OPD-008-02
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identifying mosquito breeding sites and provide advice, guidance etc. on
mosquito abatement.
2.2 Area Municipalities
Under this plan area municipalities will report dead sentinel birds to the
Region, identify and map potential mosquito breeding sites on municipal
property, have representation on the Durham Region West Nile Virus
Response Committee and administer and implement a mosquito abatement
program in accordance with Health Canada's Guidelines.
2.3 Municipality of Clarington
The Municipality has actively participated with the Region West Nile Virus
Preparedness Committee since early 2001. Staff is in agreement that the
Region of Durham Health Department should take the lead in surveillance,
communication and preparedness. Clarington will continue to assist in lead
source reduction and vector control activities. However, there are some
concerns about implementing a mosquito abatement programs if necessary.
The use of chemicals in an abatement program will have to be investigated to
determine if there are any environmental and/or health risks before
implementing.
3.0 CONCLUSION
The Municipality of Clarington supports the Region of Durham's Response
Plan in principle. Clarington will continue to work with the Durham Region
West Nile Virus Response Committee with respect to surveillance, control
and prevention.
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE. ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905) 263-2292 F (905) 263-4433
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