Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 90/10

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGAINST MOSQUITOES LAUNCHED IN GARO HILLS

Shillong, March 17, 2010: Keeping in view of the Government’s objective to eradicate malaria under the National Malaria Eradication Program (NMEP) which started in 1958, the Malaria Department, introduced a mosquito larvae eating fish called Gambusia Affinis (Larvivorous Fish) to address the adverse chronic malaria infections prevailing in Garo hills. This biological control of mosquitoes is the first of its kind in Meghalaya.

Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Shri. Sanjay Goyal in the presence of Dr. Malti K Sangma, District Medical & Health Officer (DM&HO) released around two thousand Larvivorous fish or Gambusia affinis on March 16, 2010 at the fishery complex, Chasingre, Tura.

Gambusia affinis, appropriately named the "mosquito fish," as its name implies, it is a natural predator of mosquito larvae. According to research, a large female Gambusia is able to consume 225 larvae within a one hour period, and a pair of half-grown Gambusia is capable of consuming over 5000 larvae in 11 weeks.

These fishes would be soon be made available to the populace to enable them to defend themselves against malaria to a certain extend.

The government has also set up Drug Distribution Centres and Fever Treatment Depots in rural areas for providing easy access to anti-malaria drugs to the community.