Gambusia fish to curb mosquito menace

Tribune News Service
Patiala, April 23

Fearing an outbreak of vector-borne diseases in the Patiala district, the Health Department has begun rearing “Gambusia” fish as it primarily feeds on mosquito larvae. 

Larvivorous fish Gambusia also known as mosquitofish would be re-introduced in 650 ponds in rural and urban areas, said the health officials.

Civil Surgeon Dr Manjit Singh today introduced Gambusia fish in ponds at Shankerpur and Fatehpur Jattan villages.

Dr Manjit said, “We have started dengue awareness drive in April as a pro-active measure. Now, we will introduce a biological method to curb spread of mosquitoes. We will leave no stone unturned to save Patiala from an outbreak.”

District Epidemiologist Dr Sumeet Singh said, “In ponds, we can’t spray larvicides as animal and birds use this water. This is one of the safest methods to curb the spread of larvae,” said Dr Sumeet.

The process

“Mosquitofish, which primarily feeds on mosquito larvae, will be transported into the pond. After breeding, the mosquitofish will be transported to other local and periphery areas,” he said .