Vector ControlA vector is an organism that transmits diseases or infections -- any organism that transports foreign living material usually mosquitoes, ticks and mammals. Vector control is any method to limit or eradicate the vectors which carry or transmit viruses or parasites responsible for vector-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus, Avian Influenza, Lyme Disease and Rabies. Health Authorities, the Ministry of Health, Provincial Health Office, the BC Centre for Disease Control and in some instances, local governments, have a role to play in vector control. Additional information on vectors and vector-borne illnesses can be found on related Health Files which are hyperlinked from the right hand navigation bar on this page. West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus. In nature it is normally passed between mosquitoes and birds. The usual way for humans to get WNV is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can become carriers after biting infected birds. For more information on West Nile Virus please see the Provincial Health Office, the BC Centre for Disease Control or your Health Authority websites. Avian influenza is a contagious viral infection that can affect all species of birds (chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, pet birds and wild birds). While relatively uncommon, avian influenza viruses can cause illness in humans. For more information on Avian Influenza, please see the Provincial Health Office, the BC Centre for Disease Control or your Health Authority websites. |
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