Vector Disease Control International Loveland, Colorado, United States
Hurricanes often cause severe flooding and increased mosquito populations that overwhelm local, state, tribal and territorial governments. FEMA’s public assistance program is designed to aid response and recovery activities of public-serving entities which can include mosquito abatement when certain eligibility criteria have been met. While federal emergency declarations are intended to remove regulatory burdens and ensure a timely response over large areas, the National Incident Management System (NIMS), in conjunction with FEMA, is also responsible for ensuring safe and effective mosquito control measures. Part of the eligibility review for reimbursement of mosquito abatement activities includes consultation between FEMA and the CDC, in addition to consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries. FEMA also coordinates with agricultural or natural resource departments to ensure economically important species are not affected by aerial applications of EPA-registered products. This presentation will highlight the importance of state and federal partnerships when large-scale mosquito control activities become necessary.
