Source Reduction Efforts

September marked the beginning of the District's source reduction work in tidal marsh areas. Through the month of January, maintenance will be done to clear existing ditches of sediment and vegetation growth so water can flow in and out with the tide. Enhancing the circulation of water in tidal areas decreases the likelihood of mosquito breeding and reduces the need for mosquito control treatments. This work is an important part of the District's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program.

West Nile Virus Activity Continues

West Nile virus (WNV) had an earlier than average start in Alameda County this year. As a result, the District has already detected seventeen birds and fifteen groups of mosquitoes which have tested positive for WNV. This is the highest number of WNV postives in Alameda County since 2015. The District has intensified efforts to locate and treat areas of standing water where the WNV positive birds and mosquitoes were discovered. The mosquitoes most effective at spreading WNV are more common in the summer months and will remain active until the rainy season sets in. Every effort needs to be made to reduce standing water and avoid mosquito bites. Residents are urged to be proactive by dumping, draining, or covering all sources of standing water and wearing mosquito repellent containing either DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 when spending time outdoors. If you come across a dead bird please report it online at www.westnile.ca.gov.

More WNV information.

Award Season

The District remains committed to operating in a transparent manner. This year is the second time that ACMAD has been awarded the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation. We are also proud to announce that our General Manager, Ryan Clausnitzer, has earned his Special District Administrator Certification from the Special District Leadership Foundation. The certification process includes a comprehensive exam on the key aspects of special district administration. Lastly, the Alameda County Special Districts Association has received the chapter of the year award from the California Special Districts Association.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program

With our Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) we have been using a multispectral camera to capture imagery in marsh habitats. When processed, the imagery shows the location of accumulated water and density of vegetation. This imaging will enhance the District's ability to detect and treat water in open space areas. The use of UAS in mosquito control is an evolving technology and adds a valuable tool for effectively and efficiently managing the risks from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease.

For more information on our UAS program click here to visit our website.

Summer Fun!

This summer our staff was hard at work educating the public and raising awareness about mosquito control throughout the Bay Area. Some of these events included the Alameda County Fair and the City of Alameda 4th of July Parade.