Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/12/2013 - WEST NILE VIRUS MANAGEMENT POLICY AND RESPONSE PLADATE: March 12, 2013 STAFF: Mike Calhoon Kim Newcomer Pre-taped staff presentation: available at fcgov.com/clerk/agendas.php WORK SESSION ITEM FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION West Nile Virus Management Policy and Response Plan Review. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In December 2007, the Technical Advisory Committee was formed per the City Manager’s direction. This Committee provided review of and recommendation for the current West Nile Virus Management Policy, adopted July 1, 2008. A portion of that policy requires periodic review of the processes used to mitigate the threat of West Nile virus in the community. The latter part of the summer of 2012 was a challenging and quickly evolving period for West Nile virus activity. Despite larval control efforts, the risk of West Nile virus was deemed extremely high and the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment made a formal recommendation to perform adult mosquito control (adulticiding). The recommendation was considered per the Policy and Program Response Guidelines, and adulticiding occurred on August 30 and September 4. This was the first time that the City adulticided since the adoption of the 2008 West Nile Virus Policy. The purpose of this update is to discuss the Program Response Guidelines specifically related to adulticiding and to consider the recommendations of the Technical Advisory Committee following the last summer’s application. The City of Fort Collins adulticided in 2003, 2004 and 2007, before the West Nile Virus Policy was adopted in 2008. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. What feedback does the Council have regarding the Technical Advisory Committee’s proposed changes to the Program Response Guidelines? 2. Does Council wish to include additional changes to the Program Response Guidelines? BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION West Nile virus first appeared in Colorado in 2002 and became active in the Fort Collins community in 2003. Since that time, the City’s policy has evolved to manage the many aspects of mosquito control to reduce the risk of infection in the community. The current policy engages in a broad- based preventative program that focuses on public education and information, adult and larval mosquito population monitoring, and larval control. Implementation of the policy is steered by the Program Response Guidelines. The City’s approach has been to retain a licensed contractor to March 12, 2013 Page 2 provide mosquito control services. In addition, the City has the ability to use adult mosquito control (adulticiding), per the policy, as it did in the summer of 2012. In 2007, at the direction of the City Manager, the City formed a Technical Advisory Committee to assist in reviewing the practices, procedures and risks of a mitigation policy. The Technical Advisory Committee is an eight person team (excluding staff and contractor) made up of a wide range of individuals ranging from content experts to concerned citizens. Over the years only two people have dropped off the committee and this year the chair person of the Natural Areas Advisory Board was available to participate in the review. The work of the Technical Advisory Committee resulted in recommendations, which were used to form the 2008 West Nile Virus Policy, currently in place. The Technical Advisory Committee normally meets twice per year to review the season’s activity, review new products and procedures for controlling mosquitoes, and to suggest changes for the upcoming season. Last summer’s adulticiding application creates an ideal opportunity to review the Program Response Guidelines related to adult mosquito control. Subsequently, the Committee has been meeting every other week since November to discuss improvements, which are outlined below. Existing Adult Mosquito Control Process The City’s policy allows for adult mosquito control (adulticiding) after pre-determined conditions are met. These conditions are listed in the Program Response Plan Guidelines (Attachment 2). Last summer’s application was the first time the City has initiated an adult mosquito control process since 2007. Areas that went well • Application of adulticide was completed on schedule in two evenings, avoiding the Labor Day holiday weekend. • The application successfully avoided properties on the Pesticide Sensitive Registry. • The cost of the 2012 application was $16,000 less than in 2007, due to the fact that there was no charge from the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) for use of the phone notification system. • The number of adult mosquitoes was reduced by 61% in areas of the application. Opportunities for Improvement • Timelines - Adjusting timelines of surveillance and testing of mosquitoes will help facilitate proper public outreach and provide adequate time for Advisory Panel feedback in the event of an adulticiding recommendation. • Decision Matrix - Developing a Decision Matrix tool for Advisory Panel will provide additional structure to the recommendation process. • Change Risk Index - Changing the Risk Index from 0.5 to 0.75 will align more closely with the disease mitigation philosophy of the Policy. The risk index in an industry standard method for evaluating the risk of transmittal of WNV in a community. Risk index is simply the estimated average number of infected mosquitoes collected per trap night summed for the key vector species in the area. March 12, 2013 Page 3 • Inspections - Reinstating backyard and stormwater drain inspections and treatment will boost mosquito control efforts. • Gravid Trap Network - Enhancing the gravid trap network will provide more complete monitoring of the Culex Pipiens variety of mosquito. • Communications - Updating communication strategies will allow for more targeted outreach to specific populations. N Increased coordination with Colorado State University, Poudre School District, and Larimer County earlier in the season N Targeted outreach in areas of high West Nile virus activity Associated Costs Backyard Inspections $8,200 Gravid Traps $4,420 Enhanced Outreach $4,000 The costs will be covered out of three areas. • Community Opportunities Fund $4,420 • Mosquito Testing Fees from the City of Loveland $3,000 • Existing West Nile Virus Contract savings $9,200 ATTACHMENTS 1. West Nile Virus Policy 2. Revised Program Response Plan Draft 3. Powerpoint presentation ATTACHMENT 1 Page 1 of 6 DRAFT Program Response Guidelines to Mosquito-Borne Arboviral Activity March 2013 Highlighted Areas = Areas of Change from 2008 Off Season Activities Status:  No human cases occurring  Mosquito activity none to very low  Mosquito infection rates 0  Vector index 0 Operational Response: 1. Routine post-season analysis of previous season’s data; assess response and efficacy. 2. Analyze and map data from prior years to develop surveillance strategy and select mosquito-trapping sites. 3. No mosquito testing. Communication Activities: 1. Updating of public outreach plan with any new information (e.g. at-risk populations). 2. Update FAQ’s and other information that may be needed if spraying occurs. ATTACHMENT 2 Page 2 of 6 Level I Early Season - June Status:  No human cases reported  Evidence of average or lower than average Culex species mosquito populations (as compared to available historical population data for the area)  Mosquito infection rates < 2 per thousand (0.2%)  Vector index < 0.5 Probability of Human Outbreak: Low Operational Response: 1. Initiate surveillance program. 2. Initiate larval control activities June 1st. 3. Brief City Manager on surveillance activities, mosquito-borne virus epidemiology and trigger points for recommendation of emergency control measures. Communication Activities: 1. Establish communication channels between appropriate City and County staff. 2. Ensure online information is up to date and prepare for ongoing, timely updates. 3. Initiate public education program on mosquito source reduction and risk reduction practices Communication Topics: o West Nile Virus basics o Wear repellent o Eliminate breeding sites Page 3 of 6 Level II Peak Season – July thru August – Low West Nile Virus Activity Status:  Sporadic human cases are being reported  No infected human blood donors have been reported  Culex mosquito populations increasing, but below historical average for that time period  Mosquito infection rate < 2 per thousand (0.2%)  Vector index < 0.5 Probability of Human Outbreak: Low – Moderate Operational Response: 1. Analyze and map surveillance data to identify areas of increased risk. 2. Continue mosquito pool submissions from surveillance program for West Nile virus testing with Colorado State University. 3. Brief City Manager on surveillance findings and need for quick action if activity rapidly increases. 4. Increase larval monitoring and control where necessary. 5. Begin planning for adulticide control in the event that virus activity and Culex populations rapidly rise. Communication Activities: 1. Notify local agencies, media and the public of positive findings. 2. Increase public education activities 3. Continue to regularly update online information, including maps illustrating risk areas. 4. Optional: targeted outreach to high-risk areas including: a. Door hangers b. Online outreach via NextDoor c. Posters and signage d. Coordination with Poudre School District and Colorado State University Communication Topics Overall: o West Nile Virus Basics o Wear repellent o Eliminate breeding sites o WNV policy and spraying decision parameters o How to get notified of mosquito spraying Communication Topics To Targeted Areas: o West Nile Virus risks and symptoms o Wear repellent o WNV policy and spraying decision parameters o How to get notified of mosquito spraying Page 4 of 6 Level III Peak Season – July thru August – Increasing West Nile Virus Activity Status:  More than one human case being reported per week in Fort Collins – OR –  More than one positive human blood donor reported for the season. -AND-  Culex mosquito populations increasing and at or above historical average by 1 standard deviation for that time period– OR –  Mosquito infection rates of > 3.0 per thousand (0.3%) and increasing – OR –  Vector index > 0.75 and increasing Probability of Human Outbreak: High Operational Response: 1. Enhanced communications between City and County regarding positive findings and anticipated response activities. City Manager apprised of threat levels and activities on an ongoing basis. 2. Identify geographic areas, by mapping surveillance data, where virus transmission appears most active. 3. Continue larviciding activities. 4. In the event the Health Department recommends adulticide spraying and the City Manager decides to proceed, commence adulticide operations. Communication Activities: 1. Coordinate press releases and a wide range of other activities to keep the public informed of affected areas, focusing on exposure risk reduction practices and public education of the disease threat. 2. Intensify existing public education activities and initiate public education/information on the adulticide program 3. Notify residents of affected and adjacent areas and people on the subscription notification list. 4. Notify appropriate agricultural interests (i.e. bee keepers, organic growers, etc.) and individuals on the Pesticide Sensitivity Registry of intended adulticiding activities, times, affected areas, etc. Also notify residents in areas that will not be part of the adulticide applications. Communication Topics o West Nile Virus risks and symptoms o Wear repellent o WNV policy and spraying decision parameters o How to get notified of mosquito spraying Page 5 of 6 Level IV Peak Season – July thru August – Emergency Level Status:  Multiple neuroinvasive human cases being reported in Fort Collins - AND –  Culex mosquito populations increasing and at or above historical average by 1 standard deviation for that time period - AND –  Sustained mosquito infection rates of > 5.0 per thousand (0.5%) – OR –  Vector index > 0.75. Probability of Human Outbreak: In progress Operational Response: 1. Expand mosquito surveillance activities (i.e. population densities, vector index and infection rates) to direct mosquito control efforts where risk to exposure is greatest and to monitor pre- and post-adulticide treatment conditions. 2. In the event the Health Department recommends additional adulticide spraying and the City Manager decides to proceed, continue spraying. 3. Secure any needed emergency funding and document costs associated with outbreak control. Communication Activities: 1. Focus as many resources as possible on public education and information; intensify all activities and involve public officials as spokespersons. Consider emergency measures to restrict outdoor activities. 2. Continue public education and information on the adulticide program including pesticides to be used, toxicity, application times, area of application, exposure reduction suggestions, justification, FAQ’s, etc. Notify residents of affected and adjacent areas and people on the subscription notification list. 3. Notify appropriate agricultural interests (i.e. bee keepers, organic growers, etc.) and individuals on the Pesticide Sensitivity Registry of any continued adulticiding activities, times, affected areas, etc. Also notify residents in areas that will not be part of the adulticide applications Communication Topics: o West Nile Virus risks and symptoms o Wear repellent o WNV policy and spraying decision parameters o How to get notified of mosquito spraying Page 6 of 6 Spraying Communication Activities 1. Coordinate communication with Colorado State University and Poudre School District for assistance in communicating spraying activities. 2. Focus all available resources on spraying notification. Communication Topics: o Spraying details: where and when o High quality map (interactive?) o Chemical used o Precautions to take: people, pets, gardens o Opt-out ability o Future spray notifications o WNV policy and spraying decision parameters o Special event contact (i.e., if you are planning a special event outside, please contact PERSON to coordinate spraying activities) PENDING IDEAS UNDER FURTHER INVESTIGATION  GPS tracking and real-time mapping of spray trucks  Mobile app to notify of spraying activities  Interactive online map of searchable addresses and spray zones  Opt-in phone notification system  Advisory Panel Orientation and Communication 1 West Nile Virus Management Policy and Response Plan Review March 12, 2013 ATTACHMENT 3 2 Overview • Council Feedback • Background • Summer of 2012-What Went Well • Technical Advisory Panel Recommendations for Improvement 3 Direction Sought • What feedback does the Council have regarding the Technical Advisory Committee’s proposed changes to the Program Response Guidelines? • Does Council wish to include additional changes to the Program Response Guidelines? 4 Background • West Nile Virus present in Colorado in 2002 • City Response: broad based, prevention focused management plan • Emergency adulticide: 2003, 2004, 2007 – 2007: Technical Advisory Committee formed • 2008 West Nile Virus Management Policy adopted. 5 Background • West Nile Virus Management Policy – Public awareness – Larval mosquito monitoring and control – Adult mosquito trapping and testing – Adulitciding decision process • Aug. 2012 adult mosquito operation initiated per Program Response Guidelines • Nov. 2012 - Mar. 2013 Technical Advisory Committee review operation, develop recommendations 6 What Went Well • Application completed on schedule in two evenings • Successfully avoided properties listed in Pesticide Sensitive Registry • Cost was considerably less due to Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority fee structure changes • Post-application trapping showed a 61% reduction of mosquitoes 7 Recommendation For Improvement • Timeline adjustments to facilitate better outreach to the community and response from Advisory Panel • Decision matrix tool for Advisory Panel • Risk Index moves from 0.5 to 0.75 • Reinstate backyard and storm drain inspections and treatment • Enhance the gravid trap network • Updated communication strategies 10 Decision Matrix • Tracks threshold requirements: – Number of human cases. – Culex population densities. – Mosquito infection rate. – Vector Index • Streamlines response to City Manager in the event of an adulticiding recommendation. 11 Risk Index • Risk Index will move from .5 up to .75 • This better aligns with a disease mitigation philosophy versus a nuisance mosquito control program. 12 Updated Communication Strategies • Earlier coordination with partner agencies • Geographically targeted outreach based on data • Off-season investigation into new tools: – Interactive maps – Mobile strategies 13 Direction Sought • What feedback does the Council have regarding the Technical Advisory Committee’s proposed changes to the Program Response Guidelines? • Does Council wish to include additional changes to the Program Response Guidelines?