Purpose
The purpose of this plan is to provide detailed information on the implementation of the Vector Control Strategic Plan, previously approved by FEMA and the State of Louisiana for disaster FEMA 1380 DR-LA.

Background

Prior to the heavy rainfall and flooding from Tropical Storm Allison, most of Louisiana had been suffering from prolonged lack of rainfall – essentially putting the state in a drought condition. One “benefit” of suck a condition is that the use level of mosquito activity was significantly reduced. Not all species of mosquitoes endemic to the area hatch at the same time, and the hatching of the initial group was delayed by the dry weather.

When the rains and flooding from Tropical Storm Allison swept the area, it activated the hatching season for the mosquitoes; however, the hatching activity was not limited to those initially seen, but also the species that usually hatched at during early June. The result was that the level of mosquitoes in some areas increased significantly above that normally observed for this time of year.

Early in the recovery process, representatives of the State of Louisiana expressed concern about the potential impact to health and safety from almost certain increase in the mosquito populations. Of particular concern at that time was the species of mosquitoes that carry encephalitis (both the St. Louis and Eastern Equine varieties).

On June 14, a conference was held at the offices of the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (LHLS & EP). Attendees included representatives of FEMA, the US Center for Disease Control, LHLS & EP, and various other State agencies with an interest in, or concern about, this issue. In addition, there was a telephone hook-up with a mosquito specialist, Chet Moore, from the CDC office in Ft. Collins, CO. Mr. Moore has extensive experience with disaster related mosquito problems in Louisiana, having spent several weeks in the State after Hurricane Andrew. Subsequently, there was a meeting with representatives from the Governor’s office.

As a result of that conference, it was apparent that, initially, the problem would be related to a probable increase in “nuisance” mosquitoes. FEMA and the State agreed that the initial efforts should be to provide a press advisory informing the general public of the problem, and actions the public could take to reduce the impact. FEMA and the State also prepared a Vector Control Strategic Plan which included development of a public education program for vector control, an examination of vector control data for the State, and increasing surveillance programs.

During the same time frame, close coordination was being maintained with the Disaster Field Office (DFO) in Houston, Texas to ensure information related to mosquito-related problems and possible solutions was being shared. In a relatively short time, the “nuisance” mosquito populations in Houston had increased to the level that there was concern about the health of infants, young people and the elderly. Additionally, recovery efforts were being hampered.

There were several discussions between Public Assistance staff in the Baton Rouge DFO and the Houston DFO, as well as with FEMA Headquarters regarding this issue. Location specific criteria were developed that would trigger FEMA approval for spraying, and on June 19, FEMA approved spraying for two counties in Texas.

Spraying for control of “nuisance” mosquitoes is normally not approved by FEMA; however, in specific situations, approval has been granted in the past. During the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in Louisiana, FEMA approved funding for such spraying in specific areas identified by the CDC as locations where the populations were so high that there was a risk to health. Funding also was provided to applicants in the State of North Carolina during Hurricane Fran. In October 1999, a memorandum from James Walke of FEMA Headquarters granted approval to spray for nuisance mosquitoes in North Carolina after Hurricane Floyd. The approval was based on the fact that the reported “level of mosquitoes was more serious than just being a nuisance and threat to public health was credible.”

LOUISIANA VECTOR CONTROL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (VCIP)

The VCIP was developed as a means to (1) clearly identify that a health and safety issue existed based on specific criteria developed in consultation with specialists from the CDC, (2) to clearly establish a cut-off date for such funding based on information from CDC, and (3) establish a process for requesting reimbursement of eligible costs.

Qualifying Criteria: Approval of FEMA funding for spraying of “nuisance” mosquitoes is not automatic, and approval will be on a parish basis. Each parish that requests funding must submit documentation that shows a significant increase in mosquito landing rates above that normally recorded at this time of year – or any other verifiable field evidence that biting mosquito populations are significantly above background levels. The information should show the method of measuring the increase. It is recommended that the submittal also show how this increase is negatively impacting citizens and emergency responders.

Qualifying Time Period: The CDC recommends that funding to assist in spraying be eligible until Tuesday, July 16, 2001. This time is based on the life cycle of mosquito populations resulting from Tropical Storm Allison. It should be noted that high levels of mosquitoes may be present after that time, but those mosquitoes would not be the result of the disaster.

Spraying Procedure: The approved time period is based on spraying for adult mosquitoes. CDC notes that although spraying for mosquito larvae is extremely effective, it does not address the issue interference of the biting mosquitoes resulting from the storm.

Programmatic Requirements: All usual Public Assistance program requirements for reimbursement will apply. FEMA will not provide funding for spraying activities conducted prior to approval. FEMA and the State have committed that actions on requests for funding will be made promptly. Reimbursement will be made for eligible costs over and above normal mosquito abatement costs, and will be based on actual expenditures, and any parish that has a mosquito abatement program should provide information on normal spraying costs. If spraying is done by contract, a copy of the contract showing costs will be the basis for determining reimbursable amounts.

Areas to be Sprayed: Requests for spraying will be addressed on a parish-by-parish basis.

Pesticides: The pesticides used in spraying must be acceptable to both US and State regulatory agencies, including the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Use of non-approved pesticides will result in a determination of ineligibility or the spraying activities, and may lead to legal action.

Process

FEMA and the State have tried to make the request procedure as easy as possible:

1.   Each parish requesting funding from FEMA should develop information showing the normal base level mosquito population (usual measurement is landing rate/minute), the present level of population (using the same procedure), information on impacts of the increased populations, and costs for normal spraying (if applicable).

2.   This information should be submitted to LOEP for review, and to ensure completeness.

3.   LHLS & EP will forward the request to FEMA with a recommendation.

4.   If approved, FEMA will prepare a Project Worksheet to reimburse the requesting parish for eligible work. FEMA makes the final determination on eligibility, but may request technical assistance from CDC. Funding will be provided on a 75% Federal – 25% non-Federal basis.

5.   Normal documentation requirements will apply.