Health effects from West Auckland moth spraying

Media Release
29 October 2003

Ministry receives fifth report on health effects from West Auckland moth spraying.

The Ministry of Health has received the fifth monthly report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s painted apple moth health service.

For the month of September, 14 residents have contacted the service with health concerns. Of these, one was assessed as needing practical support plans to assist in minimising their exposure to the spray.

This takes the total number of people who have consulted with the service to 3385, with 1265 seen by a general practitioner and 629 provided with individual support plans.

There have been no new medical conditions reported to the Medical Officer of Health since 1 January 2003. No pre-existing conditions were reported that met the criterion for notification of disease arising out of chemical poisoning of the environment.

There are two health related initiatives within the context of the painted apple moth eradication programme, health support and health monitoring. Aer’Aqua Medical Services provide the health support service and health monitoring service.

Senior Public Health Advisor, Dr Alison Roberts said the Ministry of Health would continue to receive reports from the MAF-funded health service and monitor the health of the West Auckland community.

ENDS

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