In a recent government meeting, officials provided a comprehensive overview of the mosquito control efforts for the season, highlighting significant achievements and ongoing challenges. The program successfully employed ten seasonal workers, including an intern from Gonzaga University, to assist in various mosquito management activities.

This year, the team conducted barrier sprays over 56 acres to support public events and managed to larvicide approximately 26,268 acres using a combination of ground and aerial methods. Ground adulticide treatments covered 7,205 acres, while aerial applications reached around 120,000 acres. The proactive approach to larviciding was credited with delaying the emergence of adult mosquitoes until early July, a notable success in managing the mosquito population.

Despite the positive outcomes, the team reported 32 positive tests for West Nile virus from 281 arbovirus tests conducted on mosquito pools. Fortunately, only one case of West Nile virus infection was reported in the county this season. The results of these tests are shared daily with the North Dakota Department of Health, ensuring timely updates on public health risks.

The meeting also addressed the need for improved aerial surveillance capabilities. Current helicopter contracts have limitations due to the size of the aircraft, which restricts the number of personnel and equipment that can be transported for effective monitoring. Officials expressed interest in exploring larger helicopters that could accommodate more personnel and equipment, enhancing their ability to manage mosquito populations in challenging terrains.

As the season winds down, with most seasonal employees returning to school, the team will continue monitoring mosquito activity until the first frost. The collaborative efforts with various agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers and the North Dakota Game and Fish Commission, were acknowledged as vital to the program's success. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing improvements in mosquito control strategies for future seasons.