BTI bacteria aerial spraying next March

Nadira Gunatilleke

The aerial spraying of the BTI bacteria will take place in the Colombo city limits in March next year during the peak of the dengue epidemic, Health Ministry Secretary Dr Nihal Jayatilleke said.

Dr Jayatilleke said the Air Force is working on obtaining equipment needed for aerial spraying.

Air Force helicopters will be used to aerial spray the BTI bacteria, he said.

Dr Jayatilleke said aerial spraying of the BTI bacteria should be done during the peak of the dengue epidemic to obtain clear results.

"A clear result of this new mosquito control method can only be monitored when implemented during the peak of the dengue epidemic which is usually reported in March.

A large number of dengue patients are reported during this time of the year," he said.

A scientific analysis is being carried out in connection with the project. BTI bacteria is to be sprayed by air in the Colombo city limits under a pilot project.

Aerial spraying is expensive than other methods.

The Cabinet paper was submitted some time back, he said.