2019 Conference and Workshop on Environmental Agents and Vector Management, 25-Oct-2019, Taipei
25/02/2020
The Environmental Protection Administration of Taiwan held a one day workshop in late October in the nation’s capital, Taipei. The main focus of the meeting was the control of urban pests notably bed bugs, mosquitoes, and ants. A major emphasis was placed on the sustainable use of insecticides. Most of the attendees where local pest managers.
The welcoming address was provided by Mr. Yein- Rui Hsieh, Director General of Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau, Environmental Protection Administration. The presentations began with a speech by Honorary Professor Err-Lieh Hsu from the National Taiwan University, who talk was entitled ‘Use and Prospect of Environmental Pesticide in Taiwan. Prof. Hsu discussed the history of pesticide use through the course of humanity and emphasized the need for safety with some of the modern chemicals that can effect human health. Stephen Doggett, Director of Medical Entomology at Westmead Hospital in Sydney Australia (and Chief Editor of this Magazine) was the international guest for the meeting. Stephen discussed the latest developments in bed bug management and emphasized that the evolution of insecticide resistance has made these species amongst the most challenging to control on the planet. This means that non-chemical methods must always be employed in order to achieve the successful eradication of a bed bug infestation. One interesting point that was raised during the discussion that followed is that many of the shipping vessels are badly infested with bed bugs. The opening session with these two talks were chaired by Professor Shun- Cheng Wang of Chaoyang University of Technology, whose humour really was an added bonus and helped for a fun day.
Professor Hsiu-Hua Pai from the National University of Kaohsiung, and who is also the President of the Taiwan Environmental Pest Management Association spoke about the use of insecticides for vector control. Prof. Pai discussed the insecticide susceptibility studies that have been undertaken in Taiwan, which showed that many pest species are resistant to a range of pesticides. This again emphasizes a need for IPM when controlling pests. Dr Chun-Hong Chen from the National Mosquitoborne Disease Control and Research Center spoke on the use of Wolbachia to reduce the transmission of dengue by Aedes mosquitoes.
Other fascinating talks on the day include a presentation on fipronil residue in eggs (by Dr Wei-Ren Tsai), the ecology and control of pest ants in Taiwan (given by Prof. Chung-Chi Lin), and an agricultural orientated presentation on the control of the lychee stink bug by Huang-Lung Hsu of the Changhua County Pest Control Association. Finally, a workshop was held where all participants were divided into groups to discuss aspects of the day. The focus of the group discussion was on the control of pest ants and the lychee stink bug. This included a review of the ecology of the pests, community engagement, and the management techniques employed. At the end of the session, each group presented their integrated pest management strategies for the control of these pests.
Stephen Doggett would especially like to thank the organizers for the great honour of being invited to speak at this wonderful event. Stephen’s attendance at the meeting was also supported by Nancy Lee of Chung Hsi Chemical, and Nancy’s daughter, Allis, was a gracious host and tourist guide while Stephen was in Taiwan. He would very much like to express his appreciation to these two wonderful ladies!
Report provided by Stephen Doggett, Chief Editor of the FAOPMA Magazine, with input from Allis Lu, Chung His Chemical Plant.