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Control of noxious or vector mosquitoes : implementation of integrated management consistent with sustainable development (IMCM)
Start date: Jan 1, 2010, End date: Nov 30, 2013 PROJECT  FINISHED 

Background Controlling noxious or vector mosquitoes (Diptera-Culicidae) is needed to prevent hazardous episodes such as the chikungunya epidemic in La Réunion or the spread of introduced tropical vectors (Aedes albopictus) in Europe, causing the first chikungunya epidemic in Italy. Such events were thought likely to increase with global warming. Mosquito-control tools were thus needed to prevent the emergence of resistance phenomenon and be able to adapt to the diversity of field situations encountered. However, a balance was required between this and the increased need to control polluting effects of biocides (in line with the EU Biocidal Product Directive 98/8/EC). Objectives The IMCM project aimed to develop its Integrated Mosquito Control Management system by demonstrating integrated methodologies and techniques allowing: Precise and up-to-date knowledge of target species presence, biology and colonised habitats; Development of appropriate control methods with acceptably low health and environmental risks; Evaluation of nuisance thresholds based on knowledge about social demands; Traceability of operations by means of retrospective and prospective analyses; and ( Adoption of valid procedures for monitoring non-intentional effects that might result from these control methods on humans and the environment. Results The IMCM project achieved most objectives including: creating an entomological monitoring network; producing and disseminating a best practices manual; and evaluating the control methods’ non-intentional effects on humans and the environment. p>A large and exhaustive inventory of methods for intervention, evaluation and recording was collated. This informed the elaboration of a new transversal approach that linked key stakeholders concerned by this problem, such as: mosquito and vector control operators, research institutions and local authorities. Numerous multi disciplinary studies (sociology, eco toxicology, risk modelling, etc.) were run. They provided answers to concerns about vector control, programme management and strategies, as well as to a real need for transparency and integration. Other studies clarified solutions linked to reduced choice of biocides. Study findings therefore helped to: optimise application methods; provide systematic measuring of their biological and technical efficacy; confirm nuisance thresholds (populations’ perception and acceptance) and alert thresholds; plus determine acceptability thresholds for chosen methods (environmental risk, operator risk, community risk). Other study results assisted the preparation of an inventory for suitable application equipment and existing treatments (products and application). Training was then provided about their use. A tool for determining and applying localised treatments was also designed and delivered. This system is geo-referenced and uses GIS technology. It is supported by a pad-GPS with Arcgis GIS software. The tool allowed the beneficiaries to collect, consolidate and classify all the data relative to the mosquito habitat to set up a more targeted prevention approach and to implement the relevant monitoring networks (http://www.geoportailmoustique.org/). Conclusions from the project’s work were collated in a manual of best practices that provides a modus operandi appropriate to the potential health and environmental risks. This manual is based on field experiences and on a consensus about effective controls. All project partners signed up to using the manual and the French agency for standardisation /certification (AFNOR) may integrate this best practice manual in a future national certification. Overall dissemination activities proved highly useful and beneficial, particularly a conference attended by more than 240 participants in October 2013 that explained the project methods and main results. The project was not able to complete its anticipated coverage of both urban and rural areas. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).
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