"NATIONAL MOSQUITO CONTROL AWARENESS WEEK"

WHEREAS, mosquito borne diseases (including Malaria, Yellow Fever, Encephalitis, Dengue Fever and Dog Heartworm) have historically been a source of human and animal suffering, illness and death in the United States and worldwide; and

WHEREAS, excess numbers of mosquitoes also diminish enjoyment of the outdoors, hinder outdoor work, decrease livestock productivity and reduce 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 in the United States 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 on June 26, 1935 to provide a nationally organized network to help mosquito control professionals pursue these goals; 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, the American Mosquito Control Association is sponsoring "National Mosquito Control Awareness Week" in an effort to increase the public's awareness of the activities of the various mosquito research and control agencies within the United States and around the world and to highlight the educational programs currently available:

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the American Mosquito Control Association hereby declares

the week of June 23-29, 1997 as "National Mosquito Control Awareness Week."