Mosquito surge prompts intensive control measures and fire preparedness in Greece’s Eastern Macedonia–Thrace region

Authorities in Greece’s Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMT) region have launched intensified mosquito control operations alongside heightened wildfire preparedness ahead of the summer season, as abnormal rainfall and climate conditions create new public health and environmental pressures.

Speaking to local media outlet Paratiritis News, regional deputy governor Konstantinos Venetidis outlined the scale of the challenge facing the region, linking the early mosquito outbreak to unusually heavy rainfall and broader climate change impacts.

Venetidis, who oversees Civil Protection, Climate Change Impacts, Infrastructure and Works, said the region recorded rainfall levels within a three-month period that would normally correspond to an entire year. This has led to widespread standing water and increased mosquito breeding sites across multiple districts.

He described the situation as a “dynamic natural phenomenon,” emphasizing that both climate variability and water management practices are contributing to the early and widespread appearance of mosquitoes.

Targeted spraying and surveillance measures
According to Venetidis, the regional authority has already begun targeted larvicide spraying in areas where stagnant water and mosquito larvae have been detected. Additional intervention cycles are planned as part of an ongoing control program, though he noted that operational constraints and strict regulatory frameworks limit flexibility.

The program is overseen in coordination with national health authorities and EU-level environmental guidelines.

West Nile virus monitoring
A key priority of the mosquito control campaign is the prevention of West Nile virus transmission. Venetidis sought to reassure residents, stating that early-season mosquito populations are being monitored and tested through trapping systems.

He added that previous surveillance results showed zero human cases in several regional units, including Drama, Kavala, İskeçe, and Rhodope, while only limited cases were recorded in Evros, which he described as a “special case” due to its proximity to Türkiye and differing cross-border environmental conditions.

Call for greater operational flexibility
Venetidis also called for increased flexibility in aerial spraying permissions, arguing that faster authorization could significantly improve response effectiveness in controlling mosquito populations.

He cited past emergency approvals for aerial interventions in Evros as an example where rapid action helped reduce mosquito density.

Fire season preparedness and drone surveillance
Alongside vector control efforts, the region is also preparing for the upcoming wildfire season. Venetidis confirmed that civil protection services are operating at heightened readiness levels, with expanded use of drone surveillance systems for early fire detection.

The region is expected to deploy up to 11 drones this year, with potential expansion depending on operational needs and fire service recommendations.

Authorities stressed that both mosquito control and wildfire prevention require continuous adaptation to evolving climate conditions, with public health and safety remaining the top priority.