Local News
Plano to Release Mosquitofish to Combat Spread of Zika Virus
Across the city, Plano will be releasing thousands of mosquitofish in order to combat the spread of the Zika virus.
Mosquitofish are an effective weapon against the spread of the virus because they stop the populations of mosquitoes from thriving in the early stages of production: the larvae.
Oak Point Park will see the release of the fish in the coming days, as will 11 other areas around the city. Public health officials are, in light of recent map projections, looking to be as proactive as possible against the virus, which causes severe birth defects.
As CBS 11 reported, fish tank stores don’t really keep large stocks of mosquitofish on hand, so a special shipment was ordered for the city where residents and officials alike are asking for mosquitofish.
Larry Resch of Aquatic Design Aquariums told CBS 11 that the fish “are hunters, and they’ll take every larva out of a body of water… and West Nile, it’s not gone away just because Zika is here, so both of them can be controlled by eliminating the larva.”
Plano is combining the fish release with larvicide and spraying techniques in hopes that they can stop the virus from taking hold before it truly starts.
