US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at reducing mosquito populations in Washington D.C. The order, which was signed recently, targets two invasive mosquito species that have been spreading diseases and disrupting the quality of life in the nation's capital. According to the order, the federal government will work to reduce the populations of these mosquitoes by 90% within two years.
The two targeted species are the Asian tiger mosquito and the Egyptian mosquito, which is known to be a primary carrier of the dengue fever virus. The Egyptian mosquito was first studied in Egypt in 1757 by Swedish scientist Fredrik Hasselquist. The order instructs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and other federal officials to develop and implement a plan to reduce mosquito populations in Washington D.C.
The plan will prioritize the use of non-chemical methods and technology, such as releasing sterile male mosquitoes, to control mosquito populations. This approach has been tested in local communities, including Silver Spring, Maryland, where a company has been releasing sterile male mosquitoes to mate with female mosquitoes and reduce egg hatching.
The executive order is part of Trump's efforts to make Washington D.C. "safe and beautiful again." The order notes that foreign and invasive mosquitoes are breeding throughout the United States and have become the dominant species in certain areas. The goal is to reduce the mosquito population and minimize the risk of disease transmission.
The order gives the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, and the Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, 60 days to develop a plan to reduce mosquito populations. The plan must include specific targets for reducing mosquito populations, including a 90% reduction in invasive mosquito species and a 50% reduction in tick populations within two years.
The Asian tiger mosquito, which is active during the day, is known for its painful bites and ability to transmit diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus. The Egyptian mosquito, on the other hand, is a primary carrier of the dengue fever virus. Both species are considered invasive and have been causing problems in Washington D.C.
The effort to reduce mosquito populations in Washington D.C. is a non-partisan issue that has been a concern for residents and local officials. The use of non-chemical methods and technology, such as releasing sterile male mosquitoes, is seen as a more environmentally friendly approach to controlling mosquito populations.
Key points
- The executive order aims to reduce invasive mosquito species by 90% within two years.
- The two targeted species are the Asian tiger mosquito and the Egyptian mosquito.
- The plan will prioritize the use of non-chemical methods and technology to control mosquito populations.
