HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 8/4/2020 - Memorandum From Matt Parker, Amy Resseguie, Tyler Marr Re: West Nile Virus (Wnv) Update
City Manager’s Office
PO Box 580
300 LaPorte Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
MEMORANDUM
Date: July 28, 2020
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Matt Parker, Supervisor, Natural Areas
Amy Resseguie, Sr. Specialist, Communications
Tyler Marr, Interim Director, Information & Employee Services
Through: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Kelly DiMartino, Deputy City Manager
John Stokes, Interim Director, Community Services
Mike Calhoon, Director, Parks
Zoe Shark, Interim Director, Natural Areas
Mark Sears, Manager, Natural Areas
Re: West Nile virus (WNV) Update
Summary:
The City of Fort Collins WNV trapping network has detected the presence of WNV in mosquitoes
for the first time this season. WNV activity is well below the City’s policy threshold for adult
mosquito treatments. This is the first of a series of weekly memos providing up-to-date
information on the level of WNV found in the community. These weekly updates will continue
through the WNV season (ending roughly September 4). WNV management actions are in full
swing with larval treatments, trapping, and testing; public outreach efforts have been refocused
due to social gathering restrictions and budget reductions.
Current Vector Index:
Week No: 30 Vector Index Threshold: Previous Week Vector Index Current Vector Index:
FC – Zone NW NA 0.00 0.00
FC – Zone NE NA 0.00 0.00
FC – Zone SE NA 0.00 0.07
FC – Zone SW NA 0.00 0.00
FC – Citywide NA 0.00 0.02
Floating Zone 0.75 0.00 0.20
Current Conditions: The isolated, single positive mosquito sample was detected at the corner of
Carpenter Road and South Timberline Road. A floating zone consisting of the nearest 5 traps indicates a
vector index value of 0.20. Hot and dry conditions continue to lead to lower-than-average mosquito
abundance thus far in the first six weeks of the 13-week trapping/testing season. These conditions
typically create below average mosquito abundance, yet an accelerated amplification cycle as birds (the
WNV host/reservoir) congregate around limited water supplies.
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Process for Spray Recommendations: Current WNV conditions are well under the policy thresholds
identified for adult mosquito spraying applications. If the City’s trapping network shows WNV activity
beyond the threshold of 0.75, the Larimer County Health Department typically makes a treatment
recommendation to the City. If an application is recommended, areas of concern will be identified based
on data from a minimum of 5 traps. Identified treatment areas may be sub-zone or may cross zone
boundaries.
Outreach and Public Awareness:
Outreach and education efforts are underway and will increase in community visibility through the month
of August. Information was distributed earlier this summer via City newsletters, social media, and a utility
bill insert. Digital, print and radio advertising; street banners; bus bench ads; and additional social media
content will begin August 1. Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions and anticipated budget reductions,
some outreach methods—such as staffing at events, or poster displays inside restaurants—are not
available this year. To maximize the outreach budget, the digital, print and radio advertising window has
been shortened slightly from previous years in order to focus the largest advertising reach at the peak of
the West Nile season (August). In the event of a localized spike in the vector index value, door hangers
will also be distributed. Outreach materials and messaging are shared in both English and Spanish.
Outreach information is centered on “4Ds” messaging, which encourages people to Drain standing water,
Dress in long pants and sleeves to deter biting, Defend with EPA-approved repellant, and avoid the high
mosquito activity time between Dusk & Dawn. Please see example below.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 1C9F12A2-2D3A-43CE-9FE5-56F81F0C3B17
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1C9F12A2-2D3A-43CE-9FE5-56F81F0C3B17