President Donald Trump launched a campaign to dramatically reduce tick and mosquito populations across Washington, directing federal agencies to cut invasive mosquito populations by 90% and the city’s tick population by 50% over the next two years.
“Americans should be able to enjoy the beauty and health of Our Nation’s Capital without the threat of widespread invasive ticks and mosquito populations,” the executive order fact sheet states.
The order, signed Tuesday, directs the Interior, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services departments, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the General Services Administration to develop the campaign within 60 days, focusing initially on federal land throughout the nation’s capital.
The administration says invasive mosquitoes, such as the Asian tiger and Egyptian types, have spread across the United States and become dominant species in some areas, including Washington, transmitting diseases.
“Foreign, invasive mosquitoes are multiplying across the United States and have become the dominant species in some areas, including Washington, D.C.—spreading disease and diminishing quality of life,” the order said.
The campaign will focus on reducing mosquito and tick breeding grounds through landscaping and drainage improvements, including mowing and rain gardens, as well as deploying targeted natural controls. Federal agencies will also be directed to address rodents, deer, and other hosts that help spread ticks and tick-borne diseases.
The order calls for agencies to prioritize sterile insect techniques and other biotechnology-based methods for controlling mosquito populations.
The EPA, working with the Agriculture Department and HHS, will be required within 60 days to submit a regulatory framework for developing and releasing new tick and mosquito control technologies.
The EPA will also be directed to expedite the review or registration of new tick and mosquito control products that it determines are safe and effective.
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The administration is also directing HHS to expand research into diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes. Within 90 days, the department will issue prize competitions or direct research programs aimed at developing rapid diagnostics, preventive treatments, and therapies for tick- and mosquito-borne diseases.
The administration said the D.C. campaign could eventually serve as a model for broader efforts to control disease-carrying pests nationwide.
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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
