PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Board of Health wants to handle mosquito control as a city, not just as a board.

The panel continued its vote on the 2024 mosquito control plan during its regular meeting on Wednesday, two days after a public hearing with divided input on adulticide spraying.

Rather than approving the same one from last year, Director of Public Health Andy Cambi wants a 2024 plan that incorporates improvements for better mosquito management and collaboration with city officials.

"In writing, what is the board's authority, having the conversations that we are going to have in the following weeks. I'm happy to set those up with everyone to join me," he said.

"And then being clear in our final step of what is going to happen."  

The city remains under a no-spraying order, as it has since 2021, but health officials would like to work with city officials and residents to see if they can come up with a plan that works for everyone.

In Massachusetts, local health boards are responsible for disease prevention and control. The city has contracted with the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project for more than a decade and the 2023 plan included the addition of mechanical source reduction and two products for larval and adult control.

Those in favor of spraying see it as crucial for managing the sometimes oppressive amount of mosquitos in the area while mitigating disease and those against have environmental concerns and argue that mosquito-borne illnesses are not prevalent.

Six mosquitos tested positive for West Nile Virus last year and the board unsuccessfully requested that the City Council allow spraying to be resumed. The WNV-positive mosquitos were found in catch basins in the area of Onota Lake, Pittsfield Cemetery, Crane Ave. and North St., Elm St. and Williams St., Pittsfield Airport, and lower South St.

Board member Brad Gordon pointed out that the board has the authority to approve a plan as it sees fit but the council has the final vote on funding. He would "rather not get into that game again."

Fellow board member Jeffrey Leppo said the city should go into peak mosquito breeding season with "a plan that is not just the Board of Health plan but a city of Pittsfield plan."

The health officials discussed having a special meeting before the 2024 mosquito plan vote in June.

"We have to get the people who are most vocally opposed in a situation where we can have a frank discussion and so that we have the opportunity to communicate the public health concern that we're worried about," Leppo said.

"And getting a case of eastern equine encephalitis or West Nile in the city of Pittsfield is too late to do something about it. That might get people to do something about it but I would rather not have that index case."

At the meeting, City Council President Peter White spoke in favor of a compromise between clashing viewpoints and offered suggestions such as an opt-in program rather than an opt-out program, which was a well-received suggestion.

While spraying is a hot topic when it comes to mosquito control, the BCMCP uses surveillance, monitoring, and education as the operational frameworks of the plan, with adulticide spraying as a last resort.  

Issues with standing water throughout the city that breeds the insects were also discussed at the hearing.

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