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WNV is projected to
reach Ecuador by 2008. Once WNV reaches Ecuador there is a high probability
of its introduction in to Galápagos unless rigorous control measures are
implemented prior to the arrival of the disease. If WNV is introduced in to
Galápagos it is likely to cause catastrophic mortality of endemic birds,
reptiles and mammals, leading to irreparable ecological and economic damage
to the archipelago. WNV can cause disease and death in humans, thus further
threatening livelihoods on Galápagos. Disease introduction is most likely to
occur through the human transport of infectious mosquitoes, particularly via
inadvertent transport in airplanes. Transport of mosquitoes by boat or of
infected vertebrate hosts are also significant risks for WNV introduction.
To minimise these risks, the following control measures are required.
1. Aircraft pose the
highest risk, so the most critical control measure is to enforce the
insecticide treatment of transport to Galápagos to prevent the incidental
transport of mosquitoes. Provision in law already exits for this.
a) ‘Residual
Disinsection’ (a residual insecticide applied to the interior surface of
aircraft) methods must be employed, as traditional fog fumigation has been
shown to be ineffective in aircraft cabins.
b) No aircraft should
be allowed to fly to Galápagos unless they have an up to date residual
disinsection treatment, including private and military aircraft.
c) There should be no
direct flights other than from mainland Ecuador, as direct flights from
areas that are already affected by WNV (e.g. the continental USA) greatly
increase the risk of WNV introduction.
2. All sea transport,
including cargo ships and private boats should be quarantined until
inspected and fumigated at a central port.
a) Cargo, such as tyres
and machinery, must be stored and packed to minimise the collection of
rainwater that acts as breeding sites for mosquitoes or otherwise enhances
mosquito survival.
3. Transport of
vertebrate WNV hosts to Galápagos must be conducted under the strictest
quarantine conditions.
a) Before WNV reaches
Ecuador, the current transport of chicks to Galapagos should be revaluated
as this poses another significant introduction risk. At the least, chicks on
the mainland must be hatched and reared in mosquito free conditions and kept
in mosquito proof containers during transport to the islands.
4. Early surveillance
for WNV should be initiated at major ports of travel to and from Galápagos (e.g
Baltra, Guayaquil).
While some financial
commitment is required to implement these policy measures, these costs are
insignificant compared to the ecological and economic losses that would be
experienced should WNV become established in Galápagos.
Full proceedings of the
workshop are available in
English and
Spanish. |
The
development of GGEPL allowed the University of Guayaquil to establish a
Masters programme in molecular biology in Galapagos. GGEPL now provides
classroom space and teaching laboratory facilities. GGPEL staff regularly
contribute to the teaching of students, and supervise student research
projects. Many Park and , CDRS staff are participating in the programme,
together with other Galapagos professionals such as teachers and health care
workers. In the next academic year the course will be accepting students
from all over South America.
GGEPL
contributes to developing environmental education for the local community in
Galapagos by working with schools on Santa Cruz island. The programme
broadens schools science curriculum and helps pupils develop knowledge about
the environmental issues facing their own community so they can make
informed decisions in later life. GGEPL works in the classroom by helping
teachers develop classes, and children make visits to the lab to see the
scientists at work. In this way children can gain direct experience of
modern biology and we hope will be inspired to pursue scientific careers.
Several Santa Cruz high school students are currently undertaking projects
or working as volunteers at the laboratory.