In the Oristano area, the risk of West Nile is extremely high and, after the first two cases of the season on the island, "an extraordinary action plan is needed."
This is the request that emerged from the summit with mayors, local health authorities, trade associations, and law enforcement.
"Prevention is currently the only weapon, but we need more resources, equipment, and coordination from the Region," observed Battistino Ghisu, extraordinary administrator of the Province.
Valentina Marras, head of the Local Health Authority's public hygiene service, maintains that "prevention and protection from mosquitoes, which can transmit the virus, are essential." And fighting these insects is the first step.
"Despite the lack of resources and personnel, the Province is carrying out regular pest control operations," said director Raffaele Melette. Larvicidal treatments with organic products began in January, and now the fight against the alates continues, but it seems to be an unequal battle. "This summer's weather conditions, with sudden temperature changes, have favored the proliferation of insects," he added.
The situation is critical, particularly in some areas such as Torregrande and the areas near the Tirso.
"We have 26 exterminators in the field, but we need ten more," Ghisu noted. "More resources are needed. We're asking for the Region's support during this delicate phase ." An experimental project is being considered for the larval control campaign, and "we're considering a sort of cordon sanitaire for rice fields, which, near residential areas, obviously increase the risk."
The trade associations are fully available. " We certainly can't blame the worsening situation on rice growers," began Paolo Corrias, provincial president of Coldiretti. "We can raise awareness among operators, but we must consult with experts, the scientific community, the Region, and the Ministry to find effective tools."
