Aerial spray to combat Dengue
Cabinet approval has been granted for a memorandum submitted by
Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva to spend Rs
200 million on aerial spray of BTI (Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis)
bacteria to control dengue mosquito density, a Healthcare and Nutrition
Ministry spokesman said.
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BTI Bacterial |
| * Can be
applied directly to water
* Remains effective for 30 days
* A naturally occuring bacteria
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BTI bacteria will be sprayed from air using aircraft covering Akurana,
Kandy and Gampola areas which have been identified as areas badly
affected by Dengue. The registration process of BTI bacteria is going on
and it will be sprayed by next month.
The BTI bacteria can be applied directly to the water in which the
mosquito larvae are developing. Mosquito larvae that have ingested the
bacteria and its protein crystals stop feeding within hours and will die
within days.
BTI remains effective in treated areas for 30 days. BTI is available
in appropriate formulations for nearly every situation.
BTI bacteria is a naturally occurring bacteria that is specific to
mosquitoes and black flies. This means that it is non-toxic and safe to
use around humans, pets, wildlife and other insects.
BTI is a spore forming bacteria that produces a protein crystal which
is toxic when ingested by mosquitoes and black flies.
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