,,Overkill: Why Pesticide Spraying for West Nile Virus in California May Cause More Harm Than Good

Overkill: Why Pesticide Spraying for West Nile Virus in California May Cause More Harm Than Good


 

Publication Date: August 2003

Publisher: Pesticide Watch

Author(s): Matt Wilson; Will Sugg; Jasmine Vasavada

Research Area: Environment

Keywords: West Nile virus; pesticides; toxics

Type: Report

Coverage: California

Abstract:

Since its emergence in New York City in 1999, West Nile Virus has spread across the United States. Overkill: Why Pesticide Spraying for West Nile Virus in California May Cause More Harm than Good, was written before this disease, borne by wild birds and transferred to humans by bird-biting mosquitoes, reached California. The report makes the case for why, in order to protect human health and the environment, California should avoid the massive pesticide spraying programs that have been triggered in other states at the first signs of West Nile Virus.