Mosquito numbers explode

Substantial breeding of mosquito species capable of carrying the ross river virus has sparked major concern in the region.

Capel Shire Council manager of health services Colin Dent said monitoring programs had shown substantial breeding in Stratham, with up to 4000 mosquitoes found in a trap compared to 2009, which averaged 1000 insects a trap.

Mr Dent said the council was in negotiations with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to develop a management plan for the suburb.

The council will conduct an aerial treatment today and continue trapping every fortnight until Christmas.

Aerial treatments in known breeding areas have been carried out around Bunbury this month to prevent the contraction of the virus.

Bunbury City Council acting chief executive officer Geoff Klem said while there had been no reported cases of the ross river virus in the area yet, the recent detection of the virus in the Peel region meant it could spread to other parts of the South West.

‘‘The detection of ross river virus in the Peel region sends a warning to the rest of the South West, hence the aerial spraying,’’ Mr Klem said.

People can help prevent mosquito breeding by ensuring there are no stagnant pools of water on their property.