The dengue epidemic had already claimed a significant number of lives among the Filipinos especially children. The government is tapping any possible solution to prevent or if possible, stop the spread of the strain of mosquitoes carrying the deadly virus.
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One of the solutions being considered as biological control agent against the proliferation of the dengue carrying mosquitos is to deploy Itar or commonly known as mosquito fish.
National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-NIFTDC said that these specie of small fish are commonly found in sewers and grow not more that seven centimeters long. They feed on mosquito larvae and will be most effective in controlling the breeding sites of mosquitoes particularly Aedes aegypti which is responsible for spreading the dreaded dengue virus.
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This particular fish was introduced by the Americans during the second world war. They brought and distributed the fingerlings as a solution to the rampant malaria case during that time.
The mosquito fish is not invasive and harmless to other fishes or aquaculture species. A mosquito fish can consume a few grams of mosquito larvae in less than an hour. It can also live in clean water and survive the dirty sewers which are frequented by mosquitoes.
BFAR had already distributed mosquito fished in many schools in Dagupan, Pangasinan.
BFAR had already distributed mosquito fished in many schools in Dagupan, Pangasinan.
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