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Cuban aid to fight mosquitoes

The Health Ministry has placed a large order for a Cuban mosquito eradicating bacillus after initial tests in the Kurunegala district proved 80 per cent positive.

The first samples of the agent - BTI (Bacillus Thurungencis) were provided by the Cuban Government free, on a Government to Government basis, in response to a request by a former Health Ministry official.

The positive field tests conducted with the assistance of a Cuban Expert are now being followed up on a countrywide scale.

The Ministry which spends over Rs. 300 million every year in the battle against the mosquito borne diseases like dengue, malaria, filariasis and Japanese Encephalitis feels more confident of success now, Health Services Director General Dr. A. M. L. Beligaswatte told the Daily News. The bacillus which remains active for three months spells will replace Malathion, the insecticide now being used. It is more environment friendly and repeated use will totally end the mosquito menace, the Ministry believes.

Meanwhile the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), has launched a parallel offensive, also with a Cuban bred agent - Bacillus Shapericus - which possesses similar properties. The campaign which will be in the collaboration with the Land Reclamation and Development Corporation will attack the typical mosquito breeding canals, stagnant drains and canals, and garbage dumps.

A CMC release said yesterday 200 litres of the bacillus had already been introduced on a third of the length of the city's canals.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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