West Nile Virus Risk Reduction

Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 program.

The West Nile Virus Risk Reduction Initiative was developed in 2005 with funding from the Ministry of Health to ensure a proactive approach to mosquito control.  The intent was to reduce the risk of the occurrence of West Nile Virus (WNV) and to reduce the impacts of the disease should it occur.

The Ministry of Healthy Living & Sport has indicated that there is increasing information regarding the factors that are associated with large outbreaks of WNV - such as the presence of the appropriate species of mosquitoes carrying WNV and confirmed cases in birds and animals. In 2009 in BC, there were two locally acquired human cases and two cases in horses in the Southern Okanagan, and one case in a horse in the Fraser Valley.  There have also been cases in adjacent jurisdictions over the past several years.

However, it is now apparent that, largely due to climate factors, large areas of BC are unlikely to be affected by WNV and, through consultation with MHLS, provincial public health officials have agreed to a re-evaluation of the actual risk of WNV in BC.

2010 West Nile Program

Based on the re-evaluation of risk, the 2010 WNV program will be available only to local governments and/or First Nations in the highest risk areas of the province and where conditions warrant intervention at this time based on the best available information. 

This includes the following regional districts (including their members and area First Nations) only:
  • Regional District of Central Okanagan
  • Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
  • Fraser Valley Regional District
  • Metro Vancouver

To apply for funding, please review the Program & Application Guide and complete the application form and required attachments.

In addition, to support the development of Local Risk Assessments (as required in the 2010 program), the following resources are available:

Past Programs

For information or forms for any past year of the West Nile Virus Risk Reduction Initiative, please contact Local Government Program services.

Additional Information

The following resources are available for the West Nile Virus Risk Reduction Initiative:

Contact Information

For more information contact Local Government Program Services at (250) 356-5134 or lgps@ubcm.ca.