Argentina Aerial Applicators Take Action Against Dengue and COVID-19

The ag-plane is a tool that provides solutions to many problems due to its range and speed. Argentina’s national ag-aviation association, FeArCA, reports that through the action of ag-aircraft, a cleaning and disinfection aerial operation was carried out at the Mendoza International Airport using water-sensitive application techniques.

The applications were administered by the Mendoza Institute of Health and Environmental Quality and Aerotec, an ag-aviation company, with the aim of fighting the CONVID-19 Cornovirus by creating healthy conditions in air spaces with high passenger traffic.

According to statements made by the Governor of Mendoza, “It is essential to carry out this type of action, in order to guarantee the healthiness of airport facilities and areas of immediate influence, to prevent the circulation of the COVID-19 virus.”

FEARCA hopes this public health management model by a private ag-opeator will quickly, further advance this type of operation at other air terminals in Argentina and as well as urban areas with possible circulation of the virus.

FeArCA reminds its members that to qualify for the exception for aerial applications during the Coronovirus pandemic, per ANAC’s Resolution No. 102/2020, companies must request authorization via email.

Aerial applications carried out during quarantine is considered a fundamental link in food production. However, it is a priority to beforehand complete the authorization process to avoid problems with appropriate aviation and insurance authorities.

Left: Right: In times of great difficulties, such as those experienced by the entire world, attitudes emerge that are worth highlighting.

— Fabián Macias

Planes are extremely useful tools for the control of insects that threaten human health, in this case the dengue transmitting mosquito.

— Fabián Macias

Ag-Planes Fight Dengue

Airplanes are extremely useful tools for the control of insects that threaten human health, in this case the dengue transmitting mosquito. Through aerial spraying, the number of mosquitoes can be reduced more quickly and effectively, since the application capacity with respect to land is greater and quicker with an ag-plane.

Argentine aerial applicators are being called on because of an epidemic of mosquitoes that infect people with viruses such as zika, dengue or chikungunya. Hundreds of cases have been confirmed in Buenos Aires city and province, as well as in Formosa, Misiones, Salta, Corrientes, Santa Fe, La Rioja, Santiago del Estero, Entre Ríos, Tucumán, Jujuy, Catamarca, San Luis and San Juan.

Aerial applications are conducted with products that do not imply any risk to the environment or human health, is authorized by the National Service for Agri-Food Health and Quality (Senasa) and by the National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (Anmat). It should be noted that they also have the endorsement of the Ministry of Health, the National Administration of Civil Aviation (ANAC), the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and the Network of Good Agricultural Practices (Red BPA).

It is important to note the applications are endorsed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) where the insecticides that were used have been studied and certified for their effectiveness and safety. Also, the World Health Organization (WHO), in its practical guide on “Spraying Insecticides in the Air to Fight Vectors and Pests in Public Health”, recommends aerial application as one of the methods to combat the mosquito and describes how it should be applied. This confirms aerial application does not harm the environment and people’s health.

Aerial Applicator Donates Food

In times of great difficulties, such as those being experienced by the entire world, attitudes emerge that are worth highlighting. This is the case of Fabián Macías, owner of an agricultural aviation company and agricultural producer in Las Varas, Córdoba province.

Specifically, “El Flaco”, as he is called in his hometown, distributed 10 food bags valued at $ 10,000 pesos ($150 USD) each among those who need it most.

“Despite controversies with the National Government, agriculture in Argentina is the sector that is having the best of times at the moment, because we can continue producing. My message to farmers and aerial applicators is that we try to make one more sacrifice, that we think of those people who cannot work or eat. I wish that whoever can will do so. You will feel good in your heart and will make a great contribution to the community,” Macías told the media.

In this same sense, four aero applicators from Bragado, Buenos Aires, together with the partners of the local branch of the Agrarian Federation, because of the coronavirus pandemic decided to make a solidarity gesture by donating $84,000 pesos ($1,300 USD) to the San Luis Municipal Hospital.

From FeArCA, we celebrate these type of actions. It is evident there is a sense of social responsibility by the aero applicator, who works where he lives, together with his family, loved ones, friends and those who accompany him daily in his work.

Source: FeArCA/Argentina