Several states join lawsuit on EPA pesticide ban
The lawsuit centers on the EPA decision not to ban chlorpyrifos, which is a pesticide linked to health problems in humans using it kill insects and pests on crops. Some manufacturer have asked the EPA not to ban the product.
Read the full article here.
TDA Issues Statement on Amarillo Pesticide response
Austin – Four children died after being poisoned by pesticides in Amarillo. Commissioner Sid Miller of the Texas Agriculture Commission issued a statement reminding Texans to be extremely careful of pesticide use and to always hire a state-licensed structural professional to met their pest control needs.
The poisoning occurred when pesticide not intended for residential use was used under a house. The pesticide was clearly labeled for professional licensed applicator only.
Pesticides used to kill Zika virus
Aerial spraying is one common way to rapidly prevent the spread of mosquitoes carrying Zika.
The insecticides used is determined by the local governments based on resistance levels in the local target area. The most common insecticide used is Nadel which has been used since the 1950’s.
The CDC has published an article that outlines all the steps in aerial spraying to stop the spreading of the Zika virus. Read more.
Zika in Texas Resource
A new website has been setup to track the most recent news regarding Zika in Texas. Sponsored by the Texas Department of Health Services, the site has links to prevention as treatments sites as well as statistical Zika tracking. Follow this link to read more.
Latest news on Zika Virus
The CDC tracks the countries where outbreaks of Zika have occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas.
The latest tabulated count on the Aedes species mosquitoes (Zika Virus) infections are as of Feb. 21, 2018 are: (1) US and DC 5,658 and (2) US territories 37, 185.
Zika and pregnancy infections news
The CDC also tracks how is affecting pregnant women residing in the US and territories. As of Feb. 21, 2018 the totals are: (1) US states and DC 2,418 and (2) US territories 4,784. The testing is done prior to birth and does not track the level of birth defects.
Zika Resource on all related information including prevention at CDC website.