THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, THE SENATE, STATE HOUSE, TRENTON, N. J.

By Senator BENNETT

WHEREAS, Mosquito borne diseases , which include malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, dengue fever and canine heartworm, have historically been sources of human and animal suffering, illness and death in the United States and worldwide; and,

WHEREAS, The presence of large numbers of mosquitoes also diminishes enjoyment of the outdoors, public parks and playgrounds, hinders outdoor work, decreases livestock productivity and reduces property values; and

WHEREAS, Mosquitoes can disperse or be transported long distances from their sources (locally and internationally) and are, therefore a public nuisance and health risk throughout the United States and the world; and,

WHEREAS, Since 1900, mosquito control professionals at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, have recognized the need to develop and encourage effective and environmentally safe mosquito control activities in order to protect the health and welfare of the public, the environment and wildlife; and,

WHEREAS, The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) was established in Trenton on June 26, 1935 to provide a nationally organized network to help mosquito control professionals pursue these goals; and,

WHEREAS, The New Jersey Mosquito Control Association (NJMCA) was the first state association to become a sustaining member of the AMCA; and,

WHEREAS, Professional mosquito control based on scientific research has made great advances in reducing mosquito populations and the diseases that they transmit; and,

WHEREAS, The AMCA is an active partner in the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, working closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to reduce pesticide risk to humans, animals and the environment while protecting human health from mosquito borne diseases and nuisance attacks; and

WHEREAS, The public's awareness of the health benefits associated with safe, professionally applied mosquito control methods will support these efforts as well as motivate the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their own property; and,

WHEREAS, Educational programs are being developed to include schools and civic programs in order to meet the public's need for information about mosquito biology and control; and,

WHEREAS, Students are encouraged to pursue an interest in biological and health sciences, to participate in science fairs, and to learn about mosquito biology and contribute to the reduction of mosquito populations; and

WHEREAS, " Mosquito Control Awareness Week" will increase the public's awareness of the activities of the various mosquito research and control agencies within New Jersey and will highlight the educational programs currently available; and,

WHEREAS, The American Mosquito Control Association has designated the week of June 23-29, 1997 as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week: now, therefore,

That this House hereby designates the week of June 23 through June 29, 1997 as "Mosquito Control Awareness Week" in the State of New Jersey and calls upon the people of New Jersey to participate fittingly in its observance; and,

Be It Further Resolved, That a duly authenticated copy of this resolution be signed by the President and attested by the Secretary.

Donald T. DiFrancesco, President of the Senate

Attest: Dolores A. Kirk, Secretary of the Senate