NPMA Submits Comments to CDC on Zika Assistance to States & Territories in Need
NPMA has submitted comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning the draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (Draft PEA) for mosquito control activities funded by HHS/CDC funds to combat Zika virus transmission in the United States.
The draft PEA details how the CDD will support in these efforts either directly or through technical and/or financial assistance mosquito control activities of territorial, tribal, state and local governments. The focus of efforts will include: (1) Conducting mosquito surveillance; (2) Removing habitats where mosquitoes lay eggs; (3) Controlling the aquatic immature life stages; (4) Controlling adult mosquitoes; (5) Monitoring control programs; and (6) Supporting public outreach and risk communication efforts. CDC specifically discusses entering into contract with private industry to support states and territories in need of mosquito abatement services.
NPMA emphasized that the structural pest management industry is uniquely prepared and equipped to partner with those states and territories that need assistance with mosquito control services and offered assistance in several areas of the program and requested additional information to make the process of partnering with private industry more efficient.