2011 Annual Report - Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control ...

Object 2Originally published 01:54 p.m., July 17, 2009, updated 01:55 p.m., July 17, 2009TEXT: Obama's speech to NAACPWhite House transcriptThe following is a transcript of President Obama's speech to the NAACP Centennial ConventionThursday night in New York:THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. What an extraordinary night, capping off an extraordinary week,capping off an extraordinary 100 years at the NAACP. (Applause.)So Chairman Bond, Brother Justice, I am so grateful to all of you for being here. It's just good to beamong friends. (Applause.)It is an extraordinary honor to be here, in the city where the NAACP was formed, to mark itscentennial. What we celebrate tonight is not simply the journey the NAACP has traveled, but thejourney that we, as Americans, have traveled over the past 100 years. (Applause.)It's a journey that takes us back to a time before most of us were born, long before the Voting RightsAct, and the Civil Rights Act, Brown v. Board of Education; back to an America just a generation pastslavery. It was a time when Jim Crow was a way of life; when lynchings were all too common; whenrace riots were shaking cities across a segregated land.It was in this America where an Atlanta scholar named W.E.B. Du Bois -- (applause) -- a man oftowering intellect and a fierce passion for justice, sparked what became known as the Niagaramovement; where reformers united, not by color, but by cause; where an association was born thatwould, as its charter says, promote equality and eradicate prejudice among citizens of the United States.From the beginning, these founders understood how change would come -- just as King and all the civilrights giants did later. They understood that unjust laws needed to be overturned; that legislationneeded to be passed; and that Presidents needed to be pressured into action. They knew that the stain ofslavery and the sin of segregation had to be lifted in the courtroom, and in the legislature, and in thehearts and the minds of Americans.They also knew that here, in America, change would have to come from the people. It would comefrom people protesting lynchings, rallying against violence, all those women who decided to walkinstead of taking the bus, even though they were tired after a long day of doing somebody else'slaundry, looking after somebody else's children. (Applause.) It would come from men and women ofevery age and faith, and every race and region -- taking Greyhounds on Freedom Rides; sitting down atGreensboro lunch counters; registering voters in rural Mississippi, knowing they would be harassed,knowing they would be beaten, knowing that some of them might never return.Because of what they did, we are a more perfect union. Because Jim Crow laws were overturned, blackCEOs today run Fortune 500 companies. (Applause.) Because civil rights laws were passed, blackmayors, black governors, and members of Congress served in places where they might once have beenable [sic] not just to vote but even take a sip of water. And because ordinary people did such

HistoryIn 1915, the California Legislature adopted the “Mosquito Abatement Act” (now incorporatedinto the California Health and Safety Code, Division 3) which formed the basis for the creation,function and governing powers of Mosquito Abatement Districts.On June 18, 1946, the Sacramento County-Yolo County Mosquito Abatement District wasformed by joint resolution of the Board of Supervisors for Sacramento and Yolo counties. Thedriving force behind the formation of the District was the public’s need for protection againstmosquito-borne diseases and relief from serious pest nuisance.In July of 1990, the District Board voted by resolution to change the name of the District to theSacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District to better reflect the expanded servicesand responsibilities the District assumed regarding ticks, yellow jackets and other vectors.The District is governed by a Board of Trustees, each representing one of the incorporatedcities or one of the counties within the District’s boundaries. Each Trustee is appointed by theCity Council or by the County Board of Supervisors. Board meetings are held at 10:00am onthe third Tuesday of each month in Elk Grove.2011 Board of Trustees OfficersPresident: Jayna Karpinski-Costa, City of Citrus HeightsVice-President: Frederick Goethel, City of GaltSecretary: Lyndon Hawkins, City of Elk GroveLuz Maria Rodriguez interviewed by KCRA Channel 3.Board of TrusteesCraig R. Burnett, City of FolsomRaul DeAnda, City of West SacramentoGregory C. Lanzaro, City of WintersJohn L. Lewallen, Sacramento CountyRobert J. McGarvey, City of Rancho CordovaRosemarie Moore, City of IsletonMichael Parrella/Bruce Eldridge, Yolo CountyNeal Peart, City of WoodlandDave Tamayo, City of SacramentoRobert K. Washino/Christopher Barker, City of DavisLuz Maria Rodriguez interviewed by KCRA Channel 3.2 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

Integrated PestManagementMosquito and vector control is based on scientifically planned management tactics andcontrol strategies that reduce the abundance of target pests in a timely manner. This method iscommonly referred to as “integrated pest management” (IPM). This comprehensive programincorporates five basic methods: public information and education, mosquito and vectorsurveillance, biological control, physical control, and microbial and chemical control.One goal of the wild bird surveillance program is togain a better understanding of the local West Nilevirus infection cycle.Ticks are an area of concern in Sacramento and YoloCounties.In 2011, the District attended 32 public outreachevents.Public Information & EducationThe District’s outreach program educates and informs the public about mosquito and WNVprevention methods through an extensive advertising and media campaign. District messagesare also disseminated to the public by participating in a variety of community events, healthfairs, presentations to schools and community organizations as well as partnerships with localgroups.Mosquito & Vector SurveillanceThe District closely monitors mosquito activity, climate change and arbovirus activity by testingmosquitoes, sentinel chickens and wild birds for the presence of a pathogen, parasite orarbovirus. This research and surveillance information helps guide efficient control of vectorsand vector-borne diseases in Sacramento and Yolo counties.Biological ControlBiological control is the use of specially chosen living organisms to control a particular pest.This chosen organism might be a predator, parasite, or pathogen which will attack the harmfulinsect resulting in a desired reduction of pest population levels. The most common biological toolagainst immature mosquitoes in California are mosquito-eating fish such as the mosquitofish,Gambusia affinis, the Guppy, Poecilia reticulata, and the Threespine Stickleback, Gasterosteusaculeatus. When introduced to a mosquito breeding source, these fish quickly adapt, multiplyand become numerically capable of sustaining an effective control level.Physical ControlPhysical control (environmental manipulation) is achieved by altering the major ecologicalcomponents of the pest’s environment such as: promoting effective drainage, controllingemergent vegetation, promoting appropriate timing of irrigation, and encouraging mosquitoreduction best management practices in urban, agricultural, and conservation areas. Bymanipulating breeding sources, opportunity for pests to reproduce is eliminated.Microbial & Chemical ControlMicrobial and chemical control is the prudent use of specific microbials and chemicalcompounds (insect growth regulators and insecticides) that reduce mosquito populations. Thesematerials are applied when other methods are unable to maintain mosquito numbers below alevel that is considered tolerable or when emergency control measures are needed to rapidlydisrupt or terminate the transmission of disease to humans and animals. These products andapplication methods used are registered for public health use by the California Departmentof Pesticide Regulations and are designed to minimize non-target effects. Larvicides targetmosquito larvae and pupae; adulticides are chemicals that reduce adult mosquito populations.4 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

Public Information& EducationThe District’s award winning public information and education department strives to raiseawareness of mosquitoes and of vector-borne diseases such as WNV, Western EquineEncephalomyelitis (WEE), St. Louis encephalitis (SLE), canine heartworm, malaria, Babesiosisand Ehrlichiosis. This is done through extensive media coverage obtained on television, radio,print and various news websites using an aggressive advertising campaign which includesradio and television advertisements in English and Spanish, print ads in various languages,outdoor creative ads and online interactive web ads. The District’s media strategy also includesparticipation in various radio and television public affairs shows and television programs usedto disseminate District messages. Two additional elements important to the department arecommunity outreach and the school program. The District hosts information booths at severalcommunity events throughout Sacramento and Yolo counties where educational materials aredisseminated and the public receives information about available District services. Anotherelement of outreach is the school program which includes year round classroom presentationsand an annual spring Design a Calendar Page Contest for all students and schools withinSacramento and Yolo counties.All community members are encouraged to prevent mosquitoes and West Nile Virus bypracticing the DISTRICT D’S of Mosquito Prevention. DRAIN any standing water that mayproduce mosquitoes. DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outside. These are the timeswhen mosquitoes are most active. DRESS appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants whenoutdoors. DEFEND yourself against mosquitoes by using an effective insect repellent, such asDEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Make sure you follow label directions! DOOR andwindow screens should be in good working condition. This will prevent mosquitoes from enteringyour home. DISTRICT personnel are available to address any mosquito problem you may beexperiencing by calling 1-800-429-1022 or visiting us online at www.FIGHTtheBITE.net.Winners in the annual Fight the Bite Calendar Page Contest for Sacramento and Yolo counties for all studentsin grades K-12.Community EventsAttended in 2011California State Lottery Health and Safety FairCaltrans Health and Wellness FairCitrus Heights Sunday FundayCity of Sacramento Earth DayCity of Sacramento Neighborhood SummitCHP Transportation and Wellness FairCostco Health & Safety FairCourtland Pear FairDavis Picnic DayDMV Awareness Expo and Health FairElk Grove Harvest FestivalFarm Bureau Health FairFestival de la FamiliaFolsom Family ExpoFoulks Ranch Health FairFranchise Tax Board Health and Safety FairGalt 4th of July FestivalGalt Strawberry FestivalHarvest FestivalNutrition and Health Week at the Mexican ConsulateOrangevale/Fair Oaks Community MeetingPacific Rim Street FestivalRancho Cordova Kids dayRivercats Fight the Bite NightSacramento County FairSacramento County Farm Bureau Health FairSenior Awareness DaySMUD Safety FairSOAR Senior Health FairState Wellness FairWinters Youth DayYolo County Fair2011 Annual Report5

Public Information and EducationAdditional CommunityEvent Involvement andPartnershipsAMCA Education DayAdelante MediaBroderick Christian CenterBridges After school programCache Creek LodgeCalifornia Department of Transportation, CaltransCalifornia State FairCBS-13Cemetery AllianceCity of Sacramento Neighborhood ServicesClear Channel CommunicationsCreek Week CleanupCrossings KBTVElk Grove Community GardenElk Grove Western FestivalEntercom RadioEntravision CommunicationsFamily RadioFolsom Parks and RecreationHeritage Park WNV Awareness FairHomeless ConnectKCRA 3Loaves and FishesMy Sisters HouseMercy HousingNational Night OutNatomas Golf TournamentNorth Highlands Family NightNews 10Parks and Recreation DepartmentsRadio DisneyRotary Club of Arden ArcadeRussian American MediaSACA Community CenterSacramento County Board of SupervisorsSacramento Food BankSacramento News and ReviewSacramento Salvation ArmySacramento Realtors AssociationSacramento STARTSacramento ZooSalem CommunicationsSMUDStonelakes Annual Health and Safety FairTahoe Park Health FairTelemundo 33Twin Rivers Unified School DistrictUnivision 19Villa San Juan Night OutWilton Fire Protection DistrictWitter Ranch Community AllianceYMCAYolo Basin Foundation Duck DaysYolo County Association of RealtorsYolo County Board of SupervisorsYolo County Public Health WeekFurther Outreach ActivitiesSCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONSIn order to keep the public informed, the District offered presentations to school classroomsand local community groups. This program consisted of visual presentations, practicaldemonstrations and a question-and-answer session. In 2011 a total of 102 presentationswere made to local classrooms and community groups. In addition, the District providedinformational pamphlets and brochures on topics ranging from mosquitoes, West Nile virus,yellowjackets, wasps, and all of our District programs.COMMUNITY EVENTSThe District participates in a variety of community events throughout the year. An educationaland engaging booth is set up that includes live mosquito and mosquitofish displays, a bug box,a repellent display, free individual repellent packets and a variety of message reinforcementitems. Staff is available to answer questions on District activities and to promote our variousservices. In 2011 we participated in 32 community events.FIGHT THE BITE CONTEST AND CALENDARIn an effort to continue educating and informing our community about mosquitoes and WNV,the District hosted a Fight the Bite Calendar Page Contest for Sacramento and Yolo countystudents in grades K-12. Students were asked to create a calendar page encouraging theaudience to practice one or all of the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention. Twelve winnerswere selected from 2812 entries and were announced during Mosquito Awareness Week.Individual winners and their schools received a cash prize and the first place winners in allthree categories recorded a public service announcement that aired throughout the summer onRadio Disney. Calendars were produced from the artwork of the twelve winning student entriesand a total of 10,000 calendars were distributed at various activities throughout Sacramentoand Yolo counties.MOSQUITO AND WEST NILE VIRUS AWARENESS WEEKIn coordination with mosquito control districts throughout the state, the Sacramento-YoloMosquito and Vector Control District hosted several events during Mosquito and West Nilevirus Awareness Week April 24-30. This week marked the official launch of the advertisingand public education campaign for the season. Various events to disseminate district messagesalso took place, some of them included repellent distribution at Loaves and Fishes andChristian Broderick Center, these are two local agencies that serve homeless residents whoare at high risk for mosquito bites and West Nile virus. Winners of the annual Fight the BiteDesign a Calendar Page Contest were announced and awarded prizes at their school. Lastly,presentations to various community groups were also made.REPELLENT DISTRIBUTIONAn important component of the education and outreach program is to promote the use ofmosquito repellent as a way to have the public protect themselves from mosquito bites. TheDistrict offers free mosquito repellent wipes for agencies and community organizations to useduring outdoor evening activities and events such as National Night Out, summer concerts inthe park, outdoor movies and various activities sponsored by parks and recreation districts. Torequest mosquito repellent you may send an email to info@fightthebite.netK-8 LESSON PLANSThe District’s lesson plans address topics of mosquito biology, the medical significance ofwasps, honeybees, ticks, and vector control. Students are engaged and inspired to learn moreabout mosquitoes and other vectors as well as additional services the District provides. Thisseason the District continued work on distribution and implementation of this curriculum invarious classrooms throughout Sacramento and Yolo counties.6 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

Mosquito &Vector SurveillanceThe laboratory provides the following technical information to help guide efficient control ofvector-borne diseases in Sacramento and Yolo Counties:• Surveillance of mosquitoes• Encephalitis virus surveillance• Surveillance for other mosquito-borne diseases• Tick and Lyme disease surveillance• Surveillance of bees and wasps• Identification of arthropods of public health significance• Pesticide resistance management• Research and special projectsIn addition to the mosquitospecies found in Sacramentoand Yolo Counties, Districttechnicians are also trainedto recognize any exotic orintroduced species, if present,in any of the thousands ofsamples they collect each year.Surveillance of MosquitoesMosquito surveillance is an essential component of the District’s Integrated Pest Management(IPM) program and a considerable amount of effort is devoted to it. The District’s surveillanceprogram consists of a systematic approach for locating mosquito breeding sources andmonitoring mosquito populations and mosquito-borne disease activity over time and space. Thelaboratory collects and analyzes data on seasonal changes in relative abundances of mosquitospecies, monitors geographic and environmental distribution patterns of mosquito species,determines maximum and minimum risk periods of public exposure to mosquito-borne diseases,and evaluates mosquito control activities. All the data are part of a historical database, whichprovides information on the dynamics of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease within theDistrict’s surveillance area.In 2011 our District collected over 169,000 mosquitoes during 3,808 trapping nights in fixedsites throughout Sacramento and Yolo Counties. These were identified to species and countedby our laboratory technicians. The District uses three types of traps for collection of abundancedata — American Light traps, Mosquito Magnet® traps, and Gravid traps. All three trap typesare set in representative sites of different habitats in both counties. These traps are used to gatherinformation on the distribution of all mosquito species and to monitor populations of mosquitospecies of concern. Data are interpreted in the context of historical records and mosquitoabundance is compared to a 5-year average.The American Light trap is the most widely used by mosquito control Districts in California. Itcollects mosquitoes and other insects, which are attracted to the light produced by this trap,regardless of the physiological or behavioral state of the insect. This trap type has been used bythe District for many years and it has provided historical data since before the introduction ofWest Nile virus in our area. The Mosquito Magnet ® trap captures host-seeking mosquitoes thatare attracted to the carbon dioxide emissions that are produced from burning liquid propane.The third type, the Gravid female trap, attracts female mosquitoes that are seeking to lay eggsin water rich in organic materials. The organic water mixture is made of ground alfalfa and hogchow pellets and Brewer’s yeast and is allowed to ferment before being used in the trap.2011 Annual Report7

Surveillance6.5%9.2%.9%13.1%American Light TrapsIn 2011 the District used 26 American Lighttraps in fixed sites within Sacramento andYolo Counties for a total of 1,314 trappingnights. The total number of mosquitoescollected with those traps was 56,465. Ofthese, 36,579 (64.8%) were females. Themost abundant mosquito species capturedby the American Light traps were Culextarsalis, followed by Culex pipiens, Culisetainornata, Aedes melanimon, Anophelesfreeborni, Culiseta incidens, and Culexerythrothorax. Other mosquito species werecollected in smaller numbers and accountedfor less than 2% of the total collection.American Light Trap Collection2.0% 1.8%9.9%9.2%6.5%24.5%13.1%Magnet Traps ®The District used a total of 26 MosquitoMagnet traps in 2011 in Sacramentoand Yolo Counties during 1,173 trappingnights. A total of 74,810 mosquitoes werecollected by these traps, and most (94%)were females. The most abundant speciescollected were Cx. tarsalis, An. freeborni,Ae. melanimon, Aedes washinoi, Cs.inornata, Cx. pipiens, Cx. erythrothorax,and Cs. incidens. Other species collectedaccounted for less than 1% of the totalcollection.Mosquito Magnet Trap CollectionMosquito Magnet Trap CollectionMosquito Magnet Trap CollectionAmerican Light Trap Collection4.8% 2.8% 1.5% 0.9%5.2%2.0% 1.8%4.8% 2.8% 1.5% 0.9%Cx 5.3% tarsalis5.2%33.0%Cx pipiensCs inornata33.0%Cx tarsalis 5.3%Ae melanimonCx pipiensAn freeborni 9.5%Cs inornata51.4%Cs incidensAe melanimonCx erythrothoraxAn freeborni 9.5%Other18.7% Cs incidensCx erythrothorax24.5%Other18.7%American Light Trap Collection51.4%5.2%6.3%Cx tarsalisAn freeborniAe melanimonAe washinoiCs inornataCx pipiensCx erythrothoraxCs incidensOther3.1% 0.9%Gravid TrapsA total of 26 Gravid traps were used in2011 in Sacramento and Yolo Countiesduring 1,321 trapping nights. A total of37,880 mosquitoes were collected by thesetraps, and most (88.3%) were females. Themost abundant species, as expected, wasCx. pipiens, followed by Cs. incidens, An.freeborni, and Cx. tarsalis. Other mosquitospecies constituted less than 1% of the totalcollection.Gravid Trap CollectionGravid Trap CollectionGravid Light Trap Collection5.2%Cx tarsalis6.3%An freeborniAe melanimonAe washinoi84.5%Cs inornataCx pipiensCx erythrothoraxCs incidensOther3.1% 0.9%84.5%Cx pipiensCs incidensAn freeborniCx tarsalisOtherCx pCs iAn fCx tOthAdult mosquito abundance trendsAll mosquito species are monitored throughout the year, but theDistrict is particularly interested in the abundance of certain speciesfrom the standpoint of disease transmission and nuisance. Two Culexspecies, Cx. pipiens and Cx. tarsalis, are considered the main vectorsof West Nile virus in our area. The abundance of these species isclosely monitored and is used as part of the risk assessment for WestNile virus transmission. Cx. pipiens, the northern house mosquito, isa medium-sized, brown mosquito, which usually breeds in foul orpolluted waters, such as artificial containers, fish ponds, improperlymaintained swimming pools, catch basins, septic tanks, dairy drains,waste treatment ponds, etc. It tends to bite in the dusk or early eveninghours of the day and feeds mostly on birds, but will readily bitemammals, including humans. In 2011, abundance for this speciesfollowed the same pattern as observed in previous years, with twopeaks – a major peak in June and another in September. Comparedto the 5 year average, Cx. pipiens numbers were much higher at thefirst peak in June, and the peak was about one to two weeks later thanthe average.Cx. tarsalis, the western encephalitis mosquito, is also a medium-sizedand brownish mosquito, with a median white band on the proboscisand white bands on the legs. This species can colonize a widevariety of aquatic sources, such as wetlands, duck clubs, rice fields,and irrigated crops, but in recent years it has been commonly foundin significant numbers also in suburban and urban environments,breeding in abandoned or not maintained swimming pools. It is also abird feeding mosquito that may feed readily on humans, and it is mostactive in the dusk and early hours of the evening. In 2011, there wasa major peak in Cx. tarsalis numbers in August, four weeks later thanthe 5 year average peak for that species.Cx. erythrothorax is a distinctive orange to light brown mosquito whichinhabits tule pond areas. It does not fly long distances and usuallystays near the location of its breeding source. Another Culex sp., Cx.stigmatosoma is a foul water breeding mosquito and has banded legslike the Cx. tarsalis mosquito. These mosquitoes can vector West Nilevirus, but are not particularly widespread. We also find Cx. thriambusand Cx. apicalis in our District’s area.8 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

SurveillanceAn. freeborni, the western malaria mosquito, is a large mosquito and ismost active at dusk and will readily enter houses. It can be a significantnuisance during its peak population periods. Females feed on mostmammals and are most active in the dusk and early evening hours. Thisspecies may be abundant in rice fields, and occurs in clear, seepage waterin sunlit algae-laden pools. It usually has a bi-modal population trendwith the first peak in February and a second, greater peak in Augustand September, when it can be considered a major pest due to the bitingactivity. In 2011 An. freeborni populations were much higher early inthe season than in previous years, as expected by the higher populationsobserved later in the season in 2010 going into the winter. Later in the year,numbers followed the same trend as previous years, with a peak in August,although this second peak seemed wider than the 5 year average for thisspecies. Other Anopheles species found in our area are An. franciscanusand An. punctipennis.ABUNDANCE TRENDS OF MOSQUITO VECTORSOF DISEASE IN SACRAMENTO AND YOLOCOUNTIES IN 2011No. females per trap night3632282420161284Culex pipiens 2006–2011There are several Aedes species of mosquitoes which are also of concernto the District. Ae. melanimon and Ae. nigromaculis are floodwatermosquitoes. They lay eggs on ground which will become flooded later,either by natural flooding or by agricultural practices. When the fieldswith eggs on them are flooded, the larvae emerge from the eggs anddevelop to the adult stage. When this occurs the resulting biting activityfor humans and other mammals in the area is significant. For this reason,these mosquitoes are not primarily of disease transmission concern but ofnuisance concern. These mosquitoes are day and dusk biting mosquitoesrather than the principally dusk biting type of the Culex and Anophelesspecies. Another Aedes mosquito of interest is Ae. sierrensis, the westerntreehole mosquito. This mosquito is the primary vector of canine heartwormin our area. It is unique in that its natural breeding source is treeholes. Thisspecies is difficult to control as there can be numerous trees with treeholesin a wooded area and the treeholes can be at varying heights, and thusdifficult to treat with mosquito control products, even though it has a limitedflight range. This is a small black and white mosquito and it is active duringthe day as well as at dusk. All of these Aedes mosquitoes are primarilymammal biting mosquitoes. Other less common Aedes sp. that can befound in our area and can be a localized nuisance or concern include: Ae.washinoi, Ae. vexans, Ae. sticticus, and Ae. bicristatus. Another mosquitospecies that can be found in treeholes and sometimes artificial woodencontainers in our District’s area is Orthopodomyia signifera, but it is not ascommon as Ae. sierrensis.In addition to the species mentioned above, which are all active primarilyduring the spring and summer months, the Culiseta sp. mosquitoes areactive either primarily in the winter months (Cs. inornata) or all year long(Cs. incidens). These are large mosquitoes and are primarily mammalbiters which feed usually at dawn and dusk. Cs. inornata and Cs. incidensbreed in a variety of natural aquatic habitats, with Cs. incidens also beingadapted to artificial containers and more polluted sources as well. Thesemosquitoes are primarily nuisance mosquitoes; however Cs. incidens hasbeen suggested as a canine heartworm vector and is a secondary vectorof West Nile virus. Cs. particeps is also found in our District area, but is notas common in our traps as Cs. inornata and Cs. incidens.No. females per trap nightNo. females per trap night036322824201612840363228242016128405 year average 2011Anopheles freeborni 2006–20115 year average 2011Culex tarsalis 2006–20115 year average 2011In addition to adult mosquito surveillance, the District conducts an intensive immature mosquito surveillance program. Mosquito breeding sourcesare routinely inspected by field technicians, who collect mosquito larvae and bring them to the District’s laboratory for identification. The dataprovided by the program is used for targeting control efforts and determining their efficacy.2011 Annual Report9

SurveillanceEncephalitis virus surveillanceSentinel ChickensIn an effort to use all available surveillance tools and increase the chances of early detection ofarbovirus activity, the District uses sentinel chickens as part of the encephalitis virus surveillanceprogram. Chickens usually don’t get sick when infected with West Nile virus and are deadendhosts for it, meaning they do not infect mosquitoes when bitten again by them. Moreover,chickens stay inside a coop in a fixed area and the presence of antibodies in their bloodindicates local virus transmission. Therefore they are used by many mosquito control districtsin their surveillance programs and may serve as an early indicator of local arbovirus activityin an area.In 2011, the District maintained a total of 91 chickens distributed in 13 flock sites withinSacramento and Yolo Counties. Approximately 2,500 blood samples were collected fromApril 28 through October 31, 2011 from the 7 chickens in each of the 13 flock sites. Sampleswere tested for the presence of antibodies towards SLE, WEE, and WNV viruses. The first WestNile virus-positive chicken sample was detected on a collection made on August 15, 2011. Atthe end of the sampling period, antibody conversions had been found in 2 of the 13 chickenflocks with a total of 7 chickens positive for antibodies towards West Nile virus.Need Caption2011 SENTINEL CHICKEN TESTSSACRAMENTO COUNTYFlock Location No. chickens WEE positive SLE positive WNV positiveElk Grove 7 0 0 2Galt 7 0 0 0Hood 7 0 0 0Natomas 7 0 0 0Wilton 7 0 0 5Sacramento 7 0 0 0Folsom 7 0 0 0Need CaptionRanchoMurieta7 0 0 0Pocket 7 0 0 0YOLO COUNTYFlock Location No. chickens WEE positive SLE positive WNV positiveWinters 7 0 0 0Davis 7 0 0 0Esparto 7 0 0 0Need CaptionWoodland 7 0 0 010 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

SurveillanceWild BirdsThe District’s wild bird surveillance program monitors the presence of antibody for encephalitisvirus in the avian population in rural and suburban habitats. The purpose of the program isto aid in the identification of local enzootic virus transmission, the determination of avianhosts, their residency, mobility, longevity, and mortality by maintaining records of changesin abundance, age structure, and immunity. Data provided by this program contribute to ourunderstanding of the local infection cycle in birds and mosquitoes, and assist in the assessmentof the risk of virus transmission to residents. The program was initiated in the spring of 1996to monitor the endemic Western Equine Encephalomyelitis virus and has since also providedthe first evidence of West Nile Virus transmission in Sacramento County and tracked the virusas it rapidly moved into the resident bird population and became established.In order to capture wild birds, the District uses mist nets and seed-baited traps with authorizationfrom the U.S. Geological Survey, Bird Banding Laboratory in Laurel MD, and the CaliforniaDepartment of Fish and Game. Each captured bird is aged, sexed, weighed, measured,banded, and a small blood sample (0.1ml/10g wt.) is collected to test for the presence ofarbovirus antibody. Birds are released at the location of capture and samples are broughtinto the District’s laboratory, where they are tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) that identifies antibody to the different viruses.The use of wild birds as an arbovirus surveillance tool has provided a serological history ofWNV in our District. The wild bird surveillance program is maintained through a cooperativeagreement and with volunteer personnel support from the US Fish and Wildlife Service on theStone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. In 2011, a total of 711 blood samples were tested from54 bird species. The collected sera were tested for antibody to Western EncephalomyelitisVirus (WEEV), St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV), and West Nile Virus (WNV). Only antibodyfor WNV was detected in birds sampled in 2011. Overall, WNV antibody was detected in0.8% of the samples.WNV Seropositive Wild Birds in 2011BirdPositive detections (total sampled)Western scrub-jay 1 (5)Snowy egret 1 (6)Great-tailed grackle 1 (2)Song sparrow 1 (108)Green heron 1 (6)Birds are released at the location of capture andsamples are brought into the District’s laboratory.2011 Annual Report11

SurveillanceEncephalitis virus surveillance trapsThe District uses two types of traps for Encephalitis Virus Surveillance (EVS): CO2-baitedtraps and Gravid female traps. These traps are battery-operated and are placed in each siteand collected the following morning. Samples are then brought to the District’s laboratoryfor processing and the collected female mosquitoes are pooled by species in pools of oneto 50 mosquitoes. Pools of species of concern are then tested for the presence of St. LouisEncephalitis (SLE), Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE), and West Nile (WN) viruses byTaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The testing is performed by our District’slaboratory staff at the Sacramento County Public Health Laboratory in accordance to aninteragency partnership established in 2005 to enhance the cooperation and communicationon vectorborne diseases and to increase public awareness of potential risk.Over 132,000 mosquitoes were captured during 6,844 trapping nights. A total of 6,679mosquito pools (of one to 50 mosquitoes each) were tested by the District in 2011. The firstWest Nile virus-positive sample was detected on a pool of Cx. pipiens collected on July 7,2011, and the last positive pool was collected on October 18, 2011. A total of 388 poolstested positive for West Nile virus in 2011 – 381 pools from Sacramento County and 7 fromYolo County.2006-2011 SUMMARY of Encephalitis virus surveillance2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011Mosquito poolsChicken samplesWild bird samplesTotal tested 5477 7731 9355 4363 6244 6679WNV-positive 98 145 288 52 215 388Total tested(Total no. chickens)1686(100)2713(90)Seropositive 39 23 7 6 11 7Total tested 1933 1456 1290 1079 1078 638Seropositive 180 27 41 18 6 62629(90)1020(60)2909(91)2514(91)12 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

SurveillanceDead birdsThe dead bird surveillance program was established in 2000 by the California Departmentof Public Health (CDPH) in collaboration with local agencies. Bird mortality can be a sensitiveindicator of West Nile virus activity. Dead birds are reported by the public to the WNVhotline (1-877-WNV BIRD, or online at http://westnile.ca.gov), and are then collected andidentified by the local agencies. Our technicians try to collect every dead bird reported to ourDistrict. Samples are collected from suitable specimens and tested for the presence of St. LouisEncephalitis (SLE), Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE), and West Nile (WN) viruses byTaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, carcasses that test negativeare submitted to CAHFSL (California Animal Health and Safety Laboratory) at the Universityof California, Davis campus, where necropsies are performed and additional tissue samplesare then tested for the presence of West Nile virus at the Center for Vectorborne Diseases(CVEC) laboratory. Often the first indication of virus activity in a certain area comes fromreported dead birds, therefore this program is a very important component of our laboratory’ssurveillance program because it helps the District better allocate resources and focus on areaswhere virus activity has been detected.In 2011, a total of 1,212 dead birds were reported to the WNV hotline (1,050 from SacramentoCounty and 162 from Yolo County). After initial screening by staff at the California Departmentof Public Health, a total of 520 dead bird reports were submitted to the District and techniciansattempted to pick up and evaluate all of them for testing. 398 dead birds were tested and 172were found positive for WNV (163 from Sacramento County and 9 from Yolo County). Mostof the positive dead birds were American Crows and Western Scrub Jays, followed by YellowbilledMagpies and House Finches.29.88%+WNv Dead Birds6.71% 5.18% 3.66% 3.05%2.74%+WNv Dead Birds6.71% 5.18% 3.66% 3.05%2.74%District staff aging and banding a bird as part of thewild bird surveillance program.0.61%0.61%0.30%0.30%0.61%0.30%0.61%0.30%0.30%0.30% 0.30%0.30% 0.30%0.30% 0.30%0.30%0.30%0.30%29.88%45.43%45.43%American Crow Western Scrub Jay Yellow-Billed Magpie House FinchAmerican Robin House Sparrow Northern Mockingbird White Crowned SparrowAmerican Crow Western Scrub Jay Yellow-Billed Magpie House FinchCooper's Hawk California Towhee Lesser Goldfinch Anna's HummingbirdAmerican Robin House Sparrow Northern Mockingbird White Crowned SparrowBlack-Crowned Night Cooper's Heron Hawk European Starling California Towhee Western Lesser Meadowlark Goldfinch White Anna's Breated Hummingbird NuthatchBlack-Crowned Night Heron European Starling Western Meadowlark White Breated Nuthatch2011 Annual Report13

SurveillanceSurveillance for Other Mosquito-BorneDiseasesIn addition to encephalitis virus surveillance, the District’s laboratoryconducts surveillance for other mosquito-borne diseases, such ascanine heartworm, malaria, and dengue. Canine heartworm is afilarial nematode (Dirofilaria immitis) primarily vectored in this regionby Aedes sierrensis, the western treehole mosquito. The District’s fieldtechnicians inspect all known sources of this species, but they may bevery difficult to find, inspect and treat. In a wooded area there may behundreds of hidden treeholes at many different heights. The District’slaboratory conducts regular surveillance for adults Ae. sierrensis in itsroutine mosquito trapping. In addition, the District maintains a CanineHeartworm Surveillance program, which consists of contacting veterinaryclinics and hospitals in Sacramento and Yolo Counties and collecting dataon heartworm tests performed and number of positive cases detected.Positive cases are then matched with sources of the western treeholemosquito to determine the areas of greater risk of transmission of canineheartworm. The report generated is also sent to all veterinary clinics toreinforce the vector component of the heartworm transmission cycle andhelp create awareness about the disease and the District’s participation.Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease, caused by a protozoanparasite and transmitted to people primarily by Anopheline mosquitoes.In Sacramento and Yolo Counties, there are two species that can transmitthe malaria parasite: Anopheles freeborni (the western malaria mosquito)and Anopheles punctipennis (the woodland malaria mosquito). Malariacases are routinely reported to the District by the Sacramento and YoloCounty Health and Human Services Departments. After receiving thereport, the District laboratory responds by trapping mosquitoes in thearea surrounding each malaria case. The captured mosquitoes are thenbrought to the laboratory for identification, and all female Anophelinemosquitoes are tested for malaria parasites. In 2011, the District receivedreports of four malaria cases between January and December. In allcases the person had traveled outside of the United States. After the initialdiscovery of the malaria case and subsequent trapping and testing ofany Anopheline mosquitoes captured, there was no evidence of localtransmission.Dengue, another mosquito-borne disease, is caused by a virus and isalso transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The mosquito species thattransmit Dengue (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) are not foundor established in Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Whenever the Districtreceives a report of a Dengue case, the laboratory initiates trappingfor any Aedes species around the reported location. Five dengue caseshave been reported to the District by the Sacramento County Health andHuman Services Department in 2011. In addition, the District maintainsan Invasive Species Surveillance program, which consists of additionaltrapping for early detection of any new species introduction in our area.Tick and Lyme Disease SurveillanceLyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, isprimarily vectored in Sacramento and Yolo Counties by the tick Ixodespacificus, also known as the western blacklegged tick. The District’slaboratory collects tick specimens from eight fixed locations fromJanuary to May and in November and December, using a techniquecalled tick-flagging, where a flannel sheet is dragged along theside of a trail. The District also identifies tick samples brought to thelaboratory by the public and test them if they are found to be westernblacklegged ticks. Ticks are tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)with a specific primer and probe set for B. burgdorferi. Results arecommunicated to the surveillance locations and signs are posted tocreate public awareness of the potential presence of Lyme diseaseagent and vectors in the area.2011 Lyme disease Surveillance DataYolo CountyTotalTicksPoolsTestedPositivePoolsInfectionRate*Cache Creek – site 1 16 7 0 0Cache Creek – site 2 232 48 1 4.3Sacramento CountyTotalTicksPoolsTestedPositivePoolsInfectionRate*Ancil Hoffman 1 1 0 0Mississippi Bar 128 29 5 41.5Negro Bar 249 54 0 0Nimbus Dam 33 9 1 30.7Snipes Park 171 36 3 17.9Willow Creek 136 31 5 39.2Totals 966 215 15*Infection rate MLE = Maximum Likelihood Estimate (in 1,000)14 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

SurveillanceBEES AND WASPSThe District maintains honey bee swarm traps with swarm trap lures inlocations which may give an early indication of arrival of the Africanizedhoney bees to our counties. The program currently consists of threelocations in Yolo County and six in Sacramento County. In 2011, wehad two honey bee hives become established in our swarm traps. Uponinvestigation they were determined to not be overly aggressive and thusgenetic testing was not initiated. Local beekeepers removed the hives sothey did not have to be destroyed.The District’s yellowjacket monitoring and control program was establisheddue to nuisance and safety issues associated with high yellowjacketpopulations. The program consists of trapping at different times of theyear to target different populations of yellowjackets. In the spring, theDistrict initiates apple juice-baited trapping to capture queens beforenests can be established. The laboratory identifies and counts these trapsand keep historical data on all sites. In 2011 we placed 20 of these trapsin the Herald area, a known focal point for yellowjacket nests. 1,051yellowjacket queens were trapped and identified to species in these trapsin the spring and early summer of 2011. In addition to queen traps,worker traps are set throughout the year. These are baited with heptylbutyrate, an attractant. These traps are set in locations throughout 23 sitesin Sacramento and Yolo Counties. 1,982 total yellowjacket workers werecollected and identified to species in these traps in 2011.IDENTIFICATION OF ARTHROPODSOF PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCEMosquitoes are vectors of various diseases, including West Nile virus,Western Equine Encephalomyelitis virus, St. Louis Encephalitis virus,canine heartworm, dengue, and malaria, while ticks serve as themain vectors of Lyme disease, Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis, and fleasare potential vectors of the plague. Besides identifying mosquitoesand ticks collected through our surveillance program, our laboratoryreceives and identifies many other arthropods brought in by thepublic, such as ants, termites, springtails, mites, solitary and carpenterbees, long-horned beetles, honey bees, yellowjackets, spiders, storedproduct pest beetles, moths, midges and a variety of flies.PESTICIDE RESISTANCE MANAGEMENTPesticides play an important role in mosquito and vector controlintegrated vector management (IVM) programs. We have to remainwary of resistance to pesticides evolving and spreading, which wouldthreaten the efficacy of our current control programs and allow thepotential for new and reemerging vector-borne diseases. Therefore,our laboratory performs resistance testing on mosquito samplescollected from areas of concern throughout both counties. Ourlaboratory maintains mosquito colonies that have been tested and aresusceptible to the active ingredients in the products used by our District.These are susceptible reference colonies used as comparison whentesting mosquitoes collected from the field, following resistance testingprotocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).If the testing results of field populations indicate possible resistanceissues, the samples are submitted to the University of California or theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention for further molecular andbiochemical testing.RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROJECTSThe laboratory is responsible for performing analyses of the effectiveness of ULV treatments in Sacramento and Yolo Counties.Bioassay cages with live adult mosquitoes and slide spinners that collect droplets for analysis are used to monitor the sprayingevents. In addition, our District is involved in many research projects that may directly affect some aspect of our operations, suchas ongoing evaluation of control methods and products, and alternative materials. The District also works closely with researchersfrom the University of California, Montana State University, and from the industry sector, on collaborative research projectsinvolving the ecology of West Nile virus in California, effectiveness of ULV treatments, pesticide deposition, and evaluation ofdifferent products and formulations for mosquito control.The District provides immature and adult mosquitoes from the colonies kept on its premises or wild-caught, upon request, toa variety of researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), theUniversity of California, California State University - Sacramento, Industry sector, and other Mosquito Control Districts throughoutthe country.2011 Annual Report15

Biological ControlBiological control elements are natural predators, parasites or pathogens that can be used toachieve desired reductions in pest population levels. The Fisheries Department is responsiblefor breeding mosquitofish and other fish species that prey on mosquito larvae. Mosquitoeatingfish are readily available for the District’s field technicians and to the general publicthrough the service request program. The District maintains 23 ponds which produce 2,000 to7,000 pounds of fish annually. Today, the District is one of the largest mosquitofish producingfacilities in the nation.Mosquitofish are highly effective at keeping mosquitoesunder control.Mosquitofish, Gambusia affinisThe most successful biological tool against immature mosquitoes in California is the mosquitofish,Gambusia affinis. When introduced to a mosquito breeding source, the mosquitofish quicklyadapts, multiplies and becomes numerically capable of sustaining an effective control level.The mosquitofish, a live-bearing American fish, is utilized as a predator of mosquito larvaein many diverse aquatic habitats throughout the world. A comparatively small species, thefull-grown females are usually less than 2½ inches in total length, while males are typicallyunder 1½ inches. The muted silver and light olive green body color is common to both sexes.In addition, they are able to lighten or darken their body color pigmentation to more closelymatch their immediate environment.Guppies have provided good control of mosquitoes inhighly polluted sources.Guppies, Poecilia reticulataThe guppy, Poecilia reticulata, has been used for biological mosquito control since World War I. Ithas been introduced almost all over the world from the areas of tropical South America to whichit is indigenous. In many areas, the guppy has provided good control of mosquitoes in highlypolluted sources, such as sewage pools, dairy lagoons, chicken ranch ditches and slightly acidicsources. Unlike the mosquitofish, the guppy’s ability to reproduce or control mosquitoes is notreduced by low levels of dissolved oxygen.Threespine Stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatusThe District has had the threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, available since 1998,when original stocks were seined from the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. During initial studies,the District discovered that the threespine stickleback preferred to feed on benthic organisms(invertebrates living in or on the pond bottom). Mosquito larvae are found on the surface ofmost sources and therefore not in the preferred feeding zone of this species. In most artificialcontainers—unused swimming pools and backyard ponds—there is not a benthic community,so the sticklebacks have to expand their feeding range to the surface.The District has had good success in controlling mosquitoes in these types of sources. TheDistrict has also stocked large landscape lakes with these fish for the control of midges.The District has had the threespine sticklebackavailable since 1998.16 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

Biological ControlBiological Control DistributionSYMVCD’s state-certified mosquito and vector control technicians provided mosquitofish andguppies to residents of Sacramento and Yolo Counties free of charge.Rice Fields Stocked with MosquitofishNumber of Fields:........................................................................................114Pounds of Fish*:.....................................................................................1,772.3Acres Stocked:.......................................................................................6,151.1Wildlife Refuges and Duck Clubs Stocked with MosquitofishNumber of Fields:..........................................................................................42Pounds of Fish:..........................................................................................694.2Acres Stocked:.......................................................................................2,453.0Sources Stocked with GuppiesNumber of Sources:.......................................................................................84Pounds of Guppies:.......................................................................................3.5Acres Stocked:..............................................................................................1.5Mosquitofish Supplied to TechniciansWoodland Facility:...............................................................................246.0 lbsElk Grove Facility:................................................................................577.0 lbsField Technician adding mosquitofish to a neglectedpool.Summary of all Mosquitofish Plants in 2011Number of Sources:..................................................................................5,930Pounds of Fish:.......................................................................................3,144.9Acres Stocked:.....................................................................................11,892.8* 1 pound of fish equals approximately 450 fish.A COMPARISON OF MOSQUITOFISH USED 2007 – 2011POUNDS OF MOSQUITOFISH700060005000400030002000100004463.03523.63537.32884.02007 2008 2009 20103144.92011The District is one of the largest mosquitofishproducing facilities in the nation.2011 Annual Report17

Physical ControlTechnicians monitor WNV activity by checkingmosquito sources.The Ecological Management Department manages the physical and cultural control aspectof the District’s Integrated Pest Management Program by actively pursuing opportunities toeliminate mosquito development sites. This is accomplished through the implementation ofecologically-based, site specific Mosquito Reduction Best Management Practices (BMPs) thatreduce or eliminate the need for chemical control measures.Technicians monitor WNV activity by checkingmosquito sources.Mosquito Reduction Best Management Practices (BMPs) ManualIn 2011, The Ecological Management Department aggressively pursued landownerimplementation of the Best Management Policies (BMP) as outlined in the District’s MosquitoReduction Best Management Practices Manual. This manual provided specific informationregarding the District BMP policies, mosquito biology, and various BMPs that can be useful inreducing mosquito populations. Land-use specific sections provided guidance for landownersand land-managers who dealt with programs such as: managed wetlands, stormwaterand wastewater systems, irrigated agriculture, rice production, dairies, swimming pools,cemeteries, and tire storage facilities. The Ecological Management Department provideddetailed guidance to property owners on how to best implement the BMP, and in somecases assisted with physical improvements. The BMP manual is available for download at:http://www.fightthebite.net/download/ecomanagement/SYMVCD_BMP_Manual.pdf.The manual serves as the basis for all Ecological Management Department programs whichfall under four main BMP categories. All projects strive to reduce or eliminate mosquitobreeding in Stormwater, Managed Wetlands, Agriculture, or Urban and Industrial sources.While technicians continue to drive project development, Federal, California State, localenvironmental and development policies have also become a driving force of project andplanning development. 2011 saw an increase in environmental policy proposals, CaliforniaDelta, water, and habitat restoration plans and a regulatory focus of stormwater requirements.Ecological Management Projects in 2011The Ecological Management Department handled forty three new work requests from fieldtechnicians. Each work request was evaluated for implementation of BMPs as outlined in theDistrict Mosquito Reduction Best Management Practices Manual. Landowners were contactedand worked directly with the Department in reducing standing water and subsequent mosquitobreeding. Upon request, the Department utilized District owned and occasionally leasedequipment to perform the required BMP, and was monitored for efficacy for the duration of theseason. In addition to new work requests, the Department monitored and continued progresson six long term or historical projects and sites. These sites also included eight historicalspring mowing access projects, designed to improve site access for the technician, and inmany cases provided the necessary base maintenance required for the property owner tocontinue the required maintenance for the remainder of the year. A few sites required theInspecting a neglected pool.District to perform access projects involving removal of brush and debris to secure safe accessto mosquito sources. These mowing and access projects were designed to keep access routes18 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

Physical Controlopen for mosquito control operations around dairies and other water sources. All projectsimproved cooperative relationships and site conditions that resulted in mutually acceptablecourses of action while upholding the District’s responsibilities to protect public health.Planning Review ProgramIn 2011, the Ecological Management Department replied to thirty three development planssent for review from cites, counties, federal and state agencies, requesting the District to offercomments relating to mosquito production. The Department evaluated each plan for areasof concerns, and sent detailed comments back to the appropriate agencies for review. Thisprogram allows the Department to identify and request correction of many potential mosquitobreeding sites or site access restrictions before they become an issue.The Department also responded to six California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) orNational Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents available for public review. In additionto these six documents staff also provided detailed comments on policy related documents suchas the US EPA’s Draft Waters of the US Guidance Document and the California State WaterResources Control Board’s Wetland Area Protection Policy and Dredge and Fill RegulationsDepartment staff attended public forums and stakeholder workshops and workgroups in aneffort to promote BMP implementation on projects of all types within the District. In 2011 staffactively participated in the planning process of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) andis a member of the Yolo Bypass Fish Enhancement Planning Team. Mosquito Reducing BMPlanguage has been added to the language for adoption within the greater BDCP as part of theCalifornia Natural Resources Agency restoration plan for the California Delta.Stormwater ProgramDepartment staff responded to multiple West Nile virus hot spots near stormwater conveyanceor treatment systems in 2011. Staff also held multiple site meetings with various city andcounty agencies responsible for stream channel maintenance in and around areas of highmosquito abundance collections. Staff represented the District and presented on the topic ofStormwater Mosquito BMPs at the annual California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA)conference to educate engineers, planners, and regulatory personnel on mosquito reducingBMP implementation within stormwater systems.Need CaptionAssociated with stormwater and creek maintenance, flooding due to beaver dams has been anon-going problem for several years. Beaver activity causes significant mosquito developmentsites to form in flooded pastures or other fallow land. While direct population reductionmethods (e.g. depredation) are the standard for beaver control in many areas, the EcologicalManagement Department utilizes an integrated approach to reducing the mosquitoesassociated with beaver activity.Ecological Management staff cleaning out a ditch.In 2011, The Ecological Management Department encountered significant beaver relatedproject activity. Regular removal of beaver dams by hand or with equipment is typically thefirst approach. Some fall brushing project activities were designed to remove the loose anddead debris surrounding problematic beaver sites. This approach was designed to removethe material typically used by the beavers to construct their dams, which may impact or causenormal water flows to stagnate, and cause subsequent mosquito breeding. The District workedwith landowners to remove dams on a routine basis and when applicable, installed a ClemsonPond Leveler (CPL) that allowed the beavers to live harmoniously with their environment withoutcausing additional mosquito breeding.Ecological Management staff cleaning out a ditch.2011 Annual Report19

Physical ControlIn 2011, the Department managed thirty beaver related project locations. Department staffresponded to three new locations that were surveyed and monitored in addition to twentyseven existing locations from previous years. Six previous sites were determined to be resolvedand no longer needed to be monitored.QUANTITYNUMBER OF NOTICES3530252015105014121086420PLANS RECEIVED2009 2010 2011POOL FINAL NOTICES2009 2010 2011Staff worked closely with the United States Bureau of Reclamation in developing a seriesof agreements, permits, and environmental analyses to reduce mosquito populations onReclamation owned properties within the California Delta, within the District’s boundaries.Managed Wetland ProgramThe practice of flooding previously dry land, during the early fall season for the purposes ofattracting waterfowl for conservation and recreational purposes creates favorable mosquitodevelopment habitat. High temperatures may promote rapid mosquito development as well asamplification of some vector-born viruses (e.g. West Nile Virus). In addition, dense emergentvegetation and relatively slow speed of flooding during the fall may also increase the numbersof mosquitoes produced, and impede the success of other mosquito control practices suchas the use of larvicides and mosquitofish. The District works throughout the year with publicand private landowners of waterfowl hunted and other preserved properties to implementBMPs that will reduce mosquito breeding or enhance mosquito control activities during majorwater events such as early flooding. The District meets annually with wetland managers todevelop annual management plans and to coordinate all irrigation and flooding activities.In addition to implementing BMPs, the Department administered the tiered fall flooding costshare program designed to discourage early flooding prior to October 1st of each year. In2011 seven wetland properties were billed for mosquito control costs under the cost shareprogram. The wetland program requires a significant amount of staff time to properly monitorand respond to site changes that zone technicians experience on a weekly basis throughoutthe season. Wetland managers routinely request advice from the Ecological ManagementDepartment to assist with maintaining their habitat goals while reducing mosquito production.Agriculture ProgramThe Department responded to various technician requests to reduce standing water in oraround irrigated agricultural lands. Often off site drainage issues are resolved by reducingirrigation runoff, and encouraging sound BMP implementation.Urban/Industrial ProgramStaff inspected all cemeteries within the District on a routine basis. No major violations werenoted with minor issues resolved with brief site meetings with cemetery management.Swimming Pool/Enforcement ProgramThe District has a swimming pool enforcement program that involves numerous attempts tocontact the pool owners to gain access for the purpose of treating the pool with mosquitolarvicides and mosquito fish that offer long term mosquito control. Within this program,District policies direct the Ecological Management Department to pursue legal access andenforcement when all other communication attempts have failed. The Department respondedto 15 Final Notice requests from zone supervisors. The Final Notice letter typically resolves theaccess issue, as was the case with all but one case in 2011. One Inspection and Abatementwarrant was received and executed.Need caption.20 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

Microbial& Chemical ControlMicrobial and chemical control is the use of specific microbials and chemical compounds(insect growth regulators and insecticides) that eliminate immature and adult mosquitoes.They are applied when biological and physical control methods are unable to maintainmosquito numbers below a level that is considered tolerable or when emergency controlmeasures are needed to rapidly disrupt or terminate the transmission of disease to humans.Larvicides target mosquito larvae and pupae. Adulticides are insecticides that reduce adultmosquito populations. All products applied by the District are registered with the CaliforniaEnvironmental Protection Agency.The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District provides year-round mosquito andvector control services to the residents of Sacramento and Yolo counties. The two countiescombined comprise 2,013 square miles of urban, commercial and agricultural land. TheDistrict is divided into 26 geographical zones, with state-certified technicians responsible forall aspects of mosquito and vector control in each zone, from surveillance to treatment.The primary goal of field technicians is to manage mosquito populations so they do not pose asignificant health risk to the public. To achieve this, field staff conducts year round inspectionsof various types of immature and adult mosquito breeding sources. When breeding sourcesare found, the technicians will apply a larvicide or mosquitofish to take care of the problem.When WNV activity or high abundance numbers are detected in any given area, techniciansconduct ground treatments with truck mounted foggers in order to quickly reduce adultmosquito populations.Technicians use a variety of equipment in the field toreduce mosquito breeding habitats.Technicians respond to year-round home service requests which include general inspections,treating neglected swimming pools, delivering and stocking mosquitofish where they areneeded, and looking for and treating yellowjacket and paper wasp nests.Control operations staff work closely with all other District departments. Field techniciansassist with education and outreach efforts by participating in community events and givingclassroom presentations. They support the Laboratory surveillance program by picking updead birds and collecting larvae. They lend a hand to the Ecological Management programby completing brush cutting projects and ditch cleaning whenever necessary. Staff also updatezone work books, calibrate field vehicles and winterize all necessary equipment.District staff routinely inspects and treats treeholes.2011 Annual Report21

Microbial & Chemical ControlMosquito and Vector Control OperationsThe District’s primary goal is to protect public health by managing immature and adult mosquitoesso they do not present a significant health risk to our community. In the event mosquito populationspose a threat or become a significant public nuisance, the District will respond by implementingits Mosquito and Mosquito-borne Disease Management Plan. This plan has been approved bythe District’s Board of Trustees. The following outlines the District’s response plan:Level I – Normal SeasonThe District performs routine mosquito, mosquito–borne disease and publichealth pesticide efficacy surveillance activities. The District also attendscommunity events, provides presentations and distributes outreach material tovarious community organizations.Level II – Positive Dead Bird and/or Mosquito PoolA response is initiated when the District’s Laboratory detects a mosquito-bornevirus [i.e., West Nile virus (WNV), Western Equine Encephalomyelitis WEE),St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE)] or when the California Department of Public Health(CDPH) notifies the District of a mosquito-borne virus from a dead bird(s) ormosquito pool(s) within the District’s boundaries.Need captionLevel III – Positive Sentinel Chicken/AnimalA response is initiated when the District’s Laboratory detects a sero conversionto a mosquito-borne virus (i.e., WNV, WEE or SLE) in a sentinel chicken(s) orwhen CDPH notifies the District of a mosquito-borne virus infected horse orother animal within the District’s boundaries.Level IV – Positive Human CaseA response is initiated when the Sacramento/Yolo County Public Health Laboratoryofficials notifies the District that a human has locally acquired a mosquito-bornevirus (i.e., WNV, WEE, or SLE) disease within the District’s boundaries.Level V – Multiple Human Cases, Epidemic ConditionsA response is initiated when County Public Health Laboratory or CDPH officialsnotifies the District that multiple mosquito-borne virus (i.e., WNV, WEE, or SLE)infections have occurred in humans within a specific area or there is evidence thatepidemic conditions exist. The epidemic area is defined as the geographic regionin which human cases are clustered (incorporated city, community, neighborhood,or zip code).District technicians treat mosquito breeding areaswhere needed.22 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

Microbial & Chemical ControlCatch Basin ProgramThe Catch Basin Program was enhanced in 2005 to combat the high number and types ofcatch basins within Sacramento and Yolo counties. A catch basin is defined as a chamber, wellor inlet designed to collect rain water which includes systems to collect debris and sedimentand prevent the clogging of sewers. Catch Basin technicians focus their primary efforts oninspecting, monitoring and treating approximately 160,000 catch basins, many of whichare found to be problematic in urban and suburban neighborhoods throughout both of ourCounties.Staff also spent time converting all old paper maps into a digital format. Mapping is a verycomplex yet very important part of the catch basin program as it helps crews find and identifybasins with landmarks for each confirmed basin. The electronic formatting of the catch basinmaps decreased the time necessary to make map alterations thus increasing the time availablefor other treatments and tasks.The catch basin program staff was also involved in field efficacy testing of District productsused to treat the basins. Evaluating the effectiveness of such products ensures that they areused at appropriate levels and intervals. In 2011 two bikes and an electric scooter wereadded to the program. Under the proper conditions, they were found to be more efficient thanvehicles. Another bonus with using the bikes and scooter is the decrease in carbon emissionswhich helps the environment.Lastly, the catch basin program continued collaborations with the City of Sacramento andother cities to enhance and promote a green waste container program which encouragesresidents to utilize green waste containers for all yard clippings instead of leaving it looseon the street. Grass clippings and other lawn debris can flow into street basins and guttersincreasing the production of mosquitoes. Placing all waste into containers helps to limit thegrowth of mosquito populations and reduces favorable areas where they can breed.The Catch Basin Program was enhanced in 2005 tocombat the high number and types of catch basins.Catch Basin TREATMENTS 2005–201135000NUMBER OF CATCH BASINS TREATED30000250002000015000100005000The Catch Basin Program was enhanced in 2005 tocombat the high number and types of catch basins.0JanuaryFeburaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 20112011 Annual ReportCatch Basin technicians focus their primary effortson inspecting, monitoring and treating catch basinsfound to be problematic in our neighborhoods.23

Microbial & Chemical ControlSwimming Pool ProgramIn 2011, the swimming pool program continued to be a large focus of the Districts urban larvalcontrol efforts. Stagnant water in swimming pools was a major concern as one pool alone canproduce thousands of mosquitoes and put an entire neighborhood at risk for West Nile virus.Many neglected pool reports came from the general public as well as from internet aerial images.This year, the District’s request for service program generated 2,097 pool-related requests. Fieldtechnicians performed 8,989 pool inspections and made 4,223 treatments.Be sure to drain standing water sources around thehome.Neglected pools can produce thousands of mosquitolarva and infect entire neighborhoods.24 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

Microbial & Chemical Control2011 MATERIALS USAGELarvicideMaterialsAcrestreatedAmountof materialNumber ofApplicationsVectobac 12AS 6,076 660 gal 2,355Vectobac G 61,381 308,862 lbs 866Vectobac WDG 882 200 lbs 15Vectolex CG 204 2,226 lbs 204Vectolex WDG 15 13 lbs 9Vectolex WSP 0.1 2 lbs 30VectoMax WSP 37 714 lbs 23,543VectoMax CG 3,499 19,041 300Aquabac 200 G 115 1142 lbs 107Aquabac XT 15,900 2,488 gal 567Natular G30 2,380 12,772 lbs 928Natular XRT 125 4,846 lbs 18,674Altosid Pellets 1,578 7423 lbs 2,493Altosid Liquid & Liquid Concentrate 5,880 42 gal 642Altosid Briquets 9 44 lbs 2,094Altosid XR Briquets 88 3076 lbs 6,668Altosid XR-G 5,197 26,023 lbs 126Altoside SBG by Air 843 4,215 lbs 8GB 1111 24 120 gal 648BVA 2 Larviciding Oil 23 91 gal 98Agnique MMF 27 19 gal 325Agnique MMFG 287 3,152 lbs 930AdulticideMaterialsAcrestreatedAmountof materialNumber ofApplicationsPyrethrins 81,640 400 gal 129Pyrethroids 314,285 1,375 gal 309Trumpet EC 16,585 111 gal 6Yellowjacketcontrol MaterialAreatreatedAmountof materialNumber ofApplicationsDrione 224 sqft 5 lbs 61PT 565 Plus XLO 802 sqft 1.5 gal 44Aircraft spraying in 2011 covered many acresthroughout Sacramento and Yolo counties.2011 Annual Report25

GeographicalInformation Systems &Information TechnologyThe IT Department is responsible for aligning existing and future District goals with cost-effectivescalable technology solutions. The Department maintains three Windows servers and over 30workstations, laptops and projectors for District meetings and public presentations, 45 handheldmobile devices, 18 truck-mounted laptops with mobile data and custom GIS software, webbaseddatabase programming, software and peripherals, and a virtual private data networkand VoIP phone system with 35 extensions connecting offices in Elk Grove and Woodland. Dataintegrity is maintained with a RAID dual backup system including off-site storage.In 2011, the District replaced internet and phone services with fiber-optic ethernet and adigital PRI serving in-house VoIP hardware. This move, completed in early Spring 2011, hasprovided increased network and voice capabilities, increased system reliability, and significantcost savings to the District. The IT Department also created and deployed an in-house solutionto replace an existing vehicle GPS tracking system, for additional cost savings.In 2011 the GIS Department recorded 63,000 applications of California EnvironmentalProtection Agency—registered products to 517,872 acres which included over 18,000 knownmosquito breeding sources, 108,300 catch basins, 4,541 requests for service from the public,and 44,950 acres of rice. Besides the EPA registered products, mosquitofish were used inover 11,892 acres of mosquito breeding habitat. Seven hundred, eighty three pools wereadded to the database and confirmed as new mosquito breeding sources in 2011. The Districthas a database of just over 5,673 pools that are either current mosquito producers, historicmosquito producers, or are re-occurring mosquito larva habitats.The District uses GIS to track the locations of the adult mosquito surveillance sites, dead birdsfrom the CDPH West Nile virus dead bird program, sentinel chicken flocks, and positive canineheartworm locations.The District provides mosquito control to residents of Sacramento and Yolo counties.26 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

AdministrationThe tasks of the administrative personnel of the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector ControlDistrict involve serving the residents of Sacramento and Yolo counties as well as the employeesof the District. Responding to telephone inquiries, maintaining public records, coordinatingpolicies, and reporting to the Board of Trustees are just a few of the many duties the departmentperforms. The department strives to provide quality professional service to the public and theemployees of the District.CONTINUING EDUCATIONThe District employs vector control technicians certified by the California Department of PublicHealth. Certificates are renewed every two years after established continuing educationrequirements are met. The District’s program coordinator tracks employees’ continuing educationunits and helps organize the District’s regional continuing education programs and workshops.District staff responds to public inquiries and servicerequests.ShopThe District employs three Automotive Service Excellence–certified mechanics at the Elk Grovefacility. The shop maintains 95 vehicles, 2 forklifts, 2 Argo all terrain vehicles, 10 quadrunners,4 John Deere Gator utility vehicles, 10 utility trailers, 2 low-bed trailers, 2 wheeltractors, 2 back hoe tractors, 17 London ULV foggers, 5 Curtis Dyna foggers, 3 Electramistfoggers, 2 turbine sprayers, and 1 Acrease 57” mower.The shop is also responsible for repairing and installing various types of equipment, includingchainsaws, pole saws, weed eaters, hand cans, hedge-trimmers, backpacks, spray guns, labtraps, pumps, and other items in need of repair.District shop staff provides maintenance to 95vehicles.2011 Annual Report27

Financial StatementsSacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control DistrictStatement of Net AssetsJune 30, 2011ASSETSGovernmental ActivitiesCash and investments $ 9,595,273Cash with fiscal agent 835,335Accounts receivable 182,765Interest receivable 7,854Inventory 925,741Net pension asset 1,896,542Net OPEB asset 21,476Capital assets, net of accumulated depreciation 4,304,166Total Assets 17,769,152LIABILITIESAccounts payable and other accrued liabilities $ 473,068Compensated absences 378,677Total Liabilities $ 851,745NET ASSETSInvested in capital assets, net of related debt $ 4,304,166Unrestricted 12,613,241Total Net Assets $ 16,917,407Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 17,769,15228 Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

Financial StatementsSacramento–Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control DistrictStatement of Activities, Budget and ActualFor The Year Ended June 30, 2011REVENUEBudgetActualVarianceFavorable (Unfavorable)Total Revenue $ 10,681,206 $ 10,596,849 $ (84,357)EXPENDITURESAircraft services $ 470,000 $ 375,207 $ 74,793Auditing/fiscal 12,500 11,500 1,000Depreciation expense - 241,148 (241,148)Communications 95,000 89,977 5,023Control operations 29,500 16,617 12,883District office expenses 35,000 11,093 23,907Ecological management 51,000 14,134 36,866Fisheries 18,510 14,668 3,842Gas and petroleum 175,000 159,031 15,969Geographic information systems 13,350 3,232 10,118Information technology 22,450 19,527 2,923Insecticides 500,000 334,354 165,646Insect growth regulator 650,000 492,181 157,819Laboratory services 149,300 139,748 9,552Liability insurance 10,000 140,860 (130,860)Materials and supplies 10,000 11,412 (1,412)Member/training 122,215 95,731 26,484Microbial 1,000,000 936,323 63,677Professional services 135,000 76,410 58,590Public information 370,000 359,246 10,754Research 100,000 94,000 6,000Rents and leases 4,000 4,526 (526)Safety program 5,000 2,900 2,100Salaries and benefits 6,841,450 6,589,917 251,533Structure and grounds 75,000 47,010 27,990Utilities 100,000 93,594 6,406Vehicle parts and labor 150,000 134,071 15,929Total Expenditures $ 11,124,275 $ 10,508,417 $ 615,858Change in Net Assets $ (443,069) $ 88,432 $ 531,501Net Assets – July 1, 2010 $ 16,828,975Net Assets – June 30, 2011 $ 16,917,4072011 Annual Report29

Sacramento County8631 Bond RoadElk Grove, CA 95624Phone: 1-800-429-1022Fax: 916-685-5464Web site: www.FIGHTtheBITE.netHours: 7:00 am to 3:30 pmYolo County1234 Fortna AvenueWoodland, CA 95776Phone: 1-800-429-1022Fax: 530-668-3403Web site: www.FIGHTtheBITE.netHours: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm