The mosquito, an insect the size of a grain of rice, is called the “deadliest predator in human history.” In 1897, Dr. Ronald Ross showed malaria is spread to humans by a specific species of female Anopheles mosquito. It is estimated over the course of human history billions of people have died of malaria. Additionally, mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of the Zika virus; believed to cause microcephaly (small heads) in babies born from mothers who are infected. Other diseases include the deadly West Nile virus, elephantiasis, and dengue fever. Hundreds of thousands of deaths and deformed bodies a year, and especially among children.
In 1951, a short fifty-plus years after discovery of how deadly can be mosquitoes, visionary public health officials in Davis County organized the Mosquito Abatement District–Davis (MAD-D). ”Two employees were hired to conduct the spray program. The District equipment consisted of two backpack sprayers and transportation was one horse and a motorcycle. The MAD-D was formed as a special service district in 1953.”
Today, with headquarters in Kaysville, UT, “…the majority of its work takes place spraying for mosquito larvae in the wetlands. The larvae are treated by hand sprayers, ATVs, and by airplane. The primary product used for larval control is called BTI; a biological product that is environmentally friendly and effective. BTI is more difficult and costly to use, but the effort to reduce the impact on the environment is a priority to MAD-D.”
Gary Hatch, Executive Director of MAD-D, knows in the time of worldwide focus on Coronavirus, he cannot afford to get distracted from his mission not only to control mosquito larvae, but to raise awareness of the dangers of one bite from a mosquito. “One bite that can change a life.”
