Get ready, because it looks like mosquito season in the Peel region is about to get worse! A recent council report reveals a concerning surge in mosquito populations, coupled with a rise in Ross River virus cases. Let's dive into the details.
The City of Mandurah's annual mosquito management report, presented at a recent council meeting, paints a troubling picture. The Peel Mosquito Management group, which includes the WA Department of Health and local councils, is sounding the alarm. Experts are predicting a particularly harsh mosquito season in 2025, with numbers already at their highest since 2021.
The report highlights an "exceptionally demanding" season due to intense tidal inundations, the highest since 2022. This, unfortunately, led to a spike in Ross River virus cases during the 2024-25 season. State-wide, 365 people contracted the virus up to November 18th this year, a significant jump from 211 cases in 2024 and 256 in 2023. In the Peel region alone, 71 cases were recorded, up from 55 the previous season. However, it's worth noting that, statistically, these numbers are still below the record-high rates seen in 2014-15.
Interestingly, the report also mentions that only 12 people in WA have been diagnosed with the Barmah Forest virus this year.
But here's where it gets controversial... Only one aerial larvicide treatment was completed in August and September, which seemed to coincide with a surge in mosquito populations. There was also a notable increase in the Aedes vigilax mosquito population between January and March this year. This aggressive, all-day biting species has a higher nuisance impact, and its rise correlated with the increase in Ross River virus cases during the same period. From July 2024 to June 2025, 22 aerial larvicide treatments were carried out.
Looking ahead, the report's author warns that 2026 will bring another demanding mosquito breeding season. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts average rainfall and above-average maximum temperatures this summer, creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.
Despite the challenges, the program managed to conduct six successful aerial larvicide treatments in late June and early September to prepare for the 2025-26 season.
Due to the difficult season, local governments and the Department of Health contributed extra funding. Each local government put in an extra $100,000 and the Department of Health added a further $100,000. However, there was a budget overspend of $14,871.13. Local governments committed to a further $30,000 to offset the overspend, but a request to the Department of Health to match the amount was declined. The Department of Health allocated $281,854, the City of Mandurah $194,967, the City of Rockingham $52,685, the Shire of Murray $121,115, and Waroona $909. In total, $685,029 was spent. The budget proposed for 2025-26 is $540,889.
What do you think? Do you believe the current mosquito management strategies are effective? Are you concerned about the rising number of Ross River virus cases? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
