Pesticide alerts in Kairouan: Livestock owners urged to shelter animals

Kairouan regional authorities in Tunisia are implementing a large-scale aerial pesticide spraying campaign to combat mosquito populations and other harmful insects during the summer season. The operation, running from July 9 to July 18, targets stagnant water sources and areas along the Oued Zeroud river.

The prefecture is employing specialized civilian aircraft for the aerial application of pesticides. This strategy aims to treat major breeding grounds for insects and neutralize larvae before they can proliferate in residential and agricultural areas. Key target zones include the industrial zone's surrounding wetlands, the Oued Zeroud basin in Dhraâ El Tammar, and humid areas along national roads RN2 and RN12.

Strict biosecurity measures are in place to protect local agricultural sectors. Beekeepers are required to confine and seal their hives for the entire duration of the aerial operation and for 24 hours afterward to prevent devastating chemical mortality among bee colonies. These restrictions are crucial for safeguarding the health of pollinators, which are vital for agriculture.

Livestock owners face even more stringent regulations. The governorate of Kairouan has explicitly forbidden the access of herds to treated zones. Grazing or allowing animals to roam in contaminated areas is prohibited for a strict period of one week following the aerial application. This measure is essential to prevent the ingestion of toxic residues by livestock, protect the food chain, and avoid serious health complications within the region's animal husbandry sector.