Bases Joint Services Health Unit (JSHU) presented 14 mosquito trapping units to communities surrounding the Akrotiri wetlands on June 15 as part of ongoing efforts to reduce nuisance and diseases caused by them.
The presentation was attended by Sovereign Base Areas Administration (SBAA) officials and representatives from Kourion (who received 10 trapping units) and Limassol Municipalities (who received four).
The Akrotiri Salt Lake and marshland form the largest wetland complex in Cyprus and an important migratory stop for hundreds of bird species. While attracting thousands of visitors annually, the wetland also serves as a breeding site for mosquitoes despite the year-round control programme run by the JSHU.
Capt Helen Tokaiqali, Officer Commanding JSHU, explained: “As part of its integrated mosquito management programme, we introduced an additional trapping scheme, with 14 traps operating throughout summer and autumn.
“The aim is to minimise nuisance from mosquitoes for the local communities using environmentally friendly methods that respect human, animal health and the natural environment.”
Bases Entomologist Dr Kelly Martinou added: “We will be monitoring mosquito species weekly that are caught in the traps in our laboratory.
“At the same time citizens should also make sure they do not allow any stagnant waters to form in their private properties that could serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes and also take personal protection measures, for example wearing mosquito repellent especially during dusk and dawn.”
Speaking on behalf of the SBAA, Deputy Area Administration Officer, Antonis Antoniades said: “I am pleased to announce the formal handover of the mosquito trapping units by Chief Officer of the SBAA, Ms Fleur Thomas, as a mark of the importance the Administration attaches to this initiative and to our partnership with the local municipalities.
“We look forward to seeing the results these trapping units produce, and I am grateful to all participants in the Mosquito Control Group for their continued engagement and cooperation.”
Kourion and Limassol Municipalities will maintain the mosquito trapping units, while Bases JSHU will continue monitoring and collecting samples for survey purposes and share their findings with experts in the Republic of Cyprus.
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