The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) has recently upgraded its fleet of foggers with two new 2016 Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks, as part of their ongoing preventative mosquito control measures against the threat of the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, vector for the Zika virus.

This has raised MRCU’s fleet from 11 to 13, with eight vehicles now in Grand Cayman, four in Cayman Brac and one fogging truck in Little Cayman.

MRCU Director, Dr. William Petrie is thankful for the addition of resources for the unit stating, “Government agreed to the acquisition of these vehicles, in fact they volunteered the funding because they recognised that we were short of vehicles. They have been fitted-up and they are going be used as transport for the Disease Prevention Officers, but also as fogging trucks.”

Not only are the 4-wheel drive, diesel powered vehicles “fitted for purpose” with fogging machines used in decreasing the population of mosquitoes, there is also a computer system built in. The Monitor 4s is the new computer system that allows staff to track the location of each vehicle, insecticide volume usage, type of insecticide used, the driver’s name and the amount of acres sprayed. It is also equipped with spray-on and spray-off indicators which shows which area was sprayed from which was not.

“This system gives us the ability to do detailed reporting for inventory and chemical usage, along with confirmation of correct route being sprayed. For example if someone calls us and asks ‘Where was the truck last night?’ or ‘Why was the truck in a particular area?’ we can go back and extract that information. It’s also variable flow; meaning it sprays the required dosage of insecticide regardless of the speed of the truck,” said MRCU Senior Superintendent, John Smith.

MRCU was also able to secure the trucks at cost lower than retail prices ensuring good value for money.

For more information on the MRCU and its services call 949-2557 or log on to www.mrcu.ky

Photo by Mona Lisa Meade:  Photo 1: One of two Toyota Hilux trucks added to MRCU fleet