An ordinance from the Municipality of Pistoia will be in force until 31 October, which integrates general provisions already contained in the Municipal Hygiene Regulation, for the prevention and control of infectious diseases transmissible to humans through the bite of vector insects, in in particular the tiger mosquito and the common mosquito, acting mainly in the removal of larval outbreaks and also through adequate larvicidal treatments.
The provision follows and implements the national and regional plan for the prevention, surveillance and response to Arbovirosis, which entrusts the Municipalities with the task of carrying out awareness-raising and information activities for citizens, as well as preventive treatment interventions in public areas.
The regular treatments that the Municipality carries out from spring to autumn on public areas (treatment with larvicidal products of sewer drains and ditches/streams with stagnant water) are in fact completely in vain if they are not accompanied by similar interventions and responsible behavior by part of citizens in private areas. Hence the need for an awareness-raising activity among citizens as widespread as possible.
Information campaign. From Wednesday 8 May, for 5 consecutive weeks (8, 15, 22, 29 May and 5 June), from 9am to 1pm, coinciding with the market in the centre, an information campaign regarding the ordinance will begin. Under the loggias of the municipal building there will be a gazebo to have all the useful information, as well as collecting a kit of anti-larval products free of charge, while supplies last, as a measure to combat mosquitoes.
Who is the ordinance addressed to?. To prevent possible health risks, the ordinance obliges citizens, public and private entities, businesses, condominium administrators, commercial operators, managers of production activities (with particular reference to scrapping activities and general storage of tires and recycled materials), responsible for the construction site areas but also owners, managers and managers of nurseries, greenhouses, warehouses, plant and flower sales outlets, agricultural companies, vegetable garden managers and in general all those who have the availability of homes or open areas, even unused ones , where it is possible to create collections of rainwater or other sources and to adopt interventions for the prevention and fight against mosquito larvae. The provision also applies within cemeteries.
Behaviors to avoid or implement. The ordinance in force until 31 October – possibly extendable based on meteorological and climatic trends – which partly takes up and also details the provisions of the Municipal Hygiene Regulation on the formation of stagnant water, prescribes all the behaviors to be avoided or in place to reduce the proliferation of blood-sucking insects. The collection of stagnant water for periods exceeding 5 days is therefore prohibited. If emptying is not possible, the containers must be covered or closed by dense mesh nets or must be periodically treated with larvicidal products. Games, inflatable pools and the like also cannot be left with standing water for more than 5 days. The subjects must also ensure the periodic checking and cleaning of the gutters and rain drains. There must be no stagnant water in the saucers and it is necessary to empty unused fountains, tanks and swimming pools or proceed with suitable anti-larval treatment. The water present in manholes, drain grates, rainwater collection wells in privately owned spaces must be treated with larvicidal products. Courtyards and open areas must be kept clean of weeds, brush and waste of all kinds, avoiding the stagnation of rainwater or any other source.
Sanctions. Violations of the ordinance are subject to an administrative fine of 25 to 500 euros.
Info. For further information and to download the full text of the ordinance, you can consult the Municipality’s website at http://www.comune.pistoia.it/aree-tematiche/ambiente/disinfestazioni-ed….
Alternatively, you can also contact the Environment and Animal Protection office on 0573 371535, 0573 371801 or by email: [email protected] .
