Georgia Environmental Quality Departments

Georgia is predominantly faced with the risk of mosquito related infections due to the numerous viruses that are breed by mosquitos. These viruses are still in circulation in Georgia and they have the potential to cause human and animal diseases (Georgia.Gov, 2017). Here are the most pronounced mosquito viruses that Georgia has had to contend with over the years:

· LaCrosse
· Eastern equine encephalitis
· West Nile

The mosquito viruses are assessed as being very active during early the Georgia early fall season. The viruses are capable of infecting humans and animals such as horses, birds and other types of animals. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) any reports of infected horses or birds in Georgia or the presence of large mosquito numbers could be an indication of greater risks of getting infected as well (Georgia.Gov, 2017). Georgia residents are advised to take protective measures aimed at alleviating the chances of getting bitten by a mosquito (Georgia.Gov, 2017). The risks are even higher when mosquito breed viruses are identified in an area.

The people of Georgia are actively advised by GDPH to prefer products that have been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as safe mosquito repellants for application on clothes and the skin (Georgia.Gov, 2017). The products containing IR3535, DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil, Para methane diol, and picaridin are recommended for having a lasting protective impact (Georgia.Gov, 2017). The EPA standards safeguard product users from any adverse effects if the product is used according to prescription.

Travellers, more so, the pregnant women are cautioned by GDPH to be extra cautious against mosquito bites when travelling in regions known to have Zika virus. Women anticipating pregnancy are cautioned not to travel in high risk areas, especially so, where Zika virus is concerned.

The mission of GDPH is to offer primary prevention measures by integrating surveillance work, education programs, enforcement measures and programs for assessment aimed at identifying, preventing and alleviating the conditions likely to negatively affect human health (Georgia.Gov, 2017b). GDPH carries out inspections on foods, motels and hotels and pools to ensure that safety and health standards are upheld. Information on inspections and scores can be found on this link https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health-inspections (Georgia.Gov, 2017c).

GDPH has a comprehensive waste water management system. GDPH issues certification for installers and pumpers of septic tanks, portable sanitation and soil classifiers. There are prescribed regulations that govern the institutions responsible for the management of waste, sewage, water towers and pools. The occasional surveillance initiatives conducted by the Georgia environmental inspectors guarantee compliance with set standards (Georgia.Gov, 2017c).
Georgia Mosquito Control Association (GMCA)

GMCA is mandated with protecting the people of Georgia and animals from vector breed infections (Georgia Mosquito Control Association, 2015). The entity alleviates the disturbing mosquito levels and improves the livelihoods of people both indoors and outdoors. GMCA responds to any registered complaints and handles any mosquito virus outbreaks without causing any major environmental disturbances (Georgia Mosquito Control Association, 2015). The vision of GMCA is to improve life quality for the people of Georgia through enhanced and cohesive mosquito management programs (Georgia Mosquito Control Association, 2015). The mission is to offer leadership, education and information aimed at enhancing life quality for Georgia citizens through enhanced mosquito management systems.

GMCA purpose:
· To advance the mosquito control agenda in Georgia
· Respond to community interests with respect to mosquito control
· Release information regarding mosquitos to the members and Georgia residents through meetings and publications
· Uphold common efforts and interests through coordination of mosquito control activities throughout Georgia.
· Keep an update on current developments in techniques and products used for mosquito control

GMCA collects information with respect to all mosquito species found in Georgia and classifies them. Further GMCA identifies the nuisance mosquito species by studying the biological makeup of the species such as: mosquito host preferences, biting time, generations, larval habitat, sibling species, adult collection methods and flight range etc. (Georgia Mosquito Control Association, 2018). Generally GMCA gathers all the information regarding the various mosquito species in Georgia and the risks involved with every mosquito species.

GMCA also offers training and certification programs for control products commercial applicators. The applicators must get category 41 certificates before dealing in control products (Georgia Mosquito Control Association, 2014). GMCA also keeps and updated fact sheet on mosquito breed viruses such as Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Zika virus and Malaria. GMCA also conducts emergency surveillance undertakings with an objective of understanding the threats that come from technological hazard, natural disaster, civil emergency, community disorder, enemy attack, insurgency, resource shortage or manmade catastrophes that could constitute public health issues through disease transmission or nuisance considerations (Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, 2007).

The most effective way of alleviating mosquito virus infections is through eradication or destruction of their habitats and conditions that favor breeding of mosquitos. Integrated Pest management (IPM) is based on a scientific approach in the management of vectors and pests like mosquitos (Peshin et al., 2014). IPM employs different techniques for pest management. The focus is prevention of pests, reduction of pests and alleviation of the conditions suitable for pest infections (Abrol, 2014). IPM programs depend on education of residents and an elaborate program for pest surveillance.

Pesticides application is considered an effective strategy in IPM. IPM depends on surveillance information to control the population of mosquitos (Peshin et al., 2014). This information may involve keeping a record of mosquitos, their types and their numbers. Any success with IPM program depends heavily on surveillance information. This is so because surveillance outcome assists in the determination of the most appropriate response to any infection. Where disease and infections are prevalent a different approach may be taken with an objective of lowering the infection levels (Abrol, 2014).

Georgia appears to have an elaborate program spearheaded by GMCA. Despite the integrated mosquito management system and disease control mechanisms the risk of mosquito infections in Georgia is still predominant. A community based IPM that facilitates the community by supplying them with Government funded pesticides, fumigation material and mosquito control information might be a necessary step towards eradicating the risk of mosquito viruses.

The GDPH can come up with a special unit and specific days in the year set aside for fumigation of residential areas, schools and other public facilities. A community based program that sensitizes the people of Georgia on the importance of such a collaborative effort may work to the benefit of containing infections. GMCA can step in to recommend the safe and effective pesticides with EPA approval. Where fumigants and pesticides are made available by the Georgia government through select suppliers the impact may be monumental. A special date or dates set aside for fumigation can inject the necessary impetus in the community as well.

The population of Georgia is estimate at 10,429,379 people (Census.Gov, 2017). Year 2016 statistics show approx. households at 4,218,776. Assuming that the Georgia State Government was to spend $100 per households for supply of mosquito control kits, pesticides/fumigants and education on how and where to fumigate the budget estimates below would be applicable.

Items Per household
Budget

Mosquito Control kit
$50

Fumigant/pesticides
$40

Community education
$10

Total Budget estimates/household
$100

Total budget (4,218,776 households)
$421,877,600

Annual budget (4*$421,877,600)
$1,687,510,400

It would cost the Government of Georgia approximately $422 million to fund a single community based IPM program. Assuming the fumigation program was to be carried out 4 times per annum then the approx. annual budget would be approx. $1.69 billion.

Strengths
· The Government of Georgia would leverage on enough and free community based labor.
· A concerted effort in IPM would mean better efficiency and effectiveness in mosquito infections eradication
· Educating the people of Georgia will have a long lasting impact in terms of awareness and safety against mosquito related infections
· Long term cost reduction due to reduced costs of medication and emergency response.

Weaknesses
· Budget constraints may derail the program
· Presence of mosquito mutants that resist pesticides can limit the expected outcome
· The threat of undiscovered mosquito habitats and mutants can limit optimal outcome

Opportunities
· Collaborative IPM approach promises eventual success where unconditional community support is guaranteed
· The synergy generated from community participation may generate enough interest even to have more people willing to discover more about alleviating the threat caused by mosquitos
· Middle level colleges and high schools in Georgia can become a useful cornerstone assisting in the education and fumigation around their schools and community

Threats
· The biggest threat would be non-cooperation from the community
· Political and economic sabotage can also derail the program
· Vested interests from pesticide manufacturers can lead to legal challenges in relation to tenders and supply rights etc.
· The possibility of a substandard outcome emanating from dismal cooperation is always a possibility

For this program to succeed the government of the State of Georgia must seal all the loopholes and conduct a thorough sensitization and education program. Teamwork, enough resources and excellent program management is necessary to record success in the program.