Officials say there are no plans to fog for mosquitoes in Altona as trap counts remain relatively low.

In an email, Public Works Manager Clint Derksen said numbers are registering an 8 on the Adulticide Factor Analysis Report (AFA) that takes into account female mosquito numbers, soil conditions, recent rain, ambient temperature, larval development and the probability of emergence.

The AFA ratings are as follows:
Low (0-10)
Medium (10-14)
High (15-18)

With crowds expected to flock to the local park next weekend for the Manitoba Sunflower Festival, Derksen says they will be keeping an eye on trap counts as the event draws closer. Traps are emptied every weekday.

According to Derksen, the Town of Altona's current policy is to fog if, and when, numbers reach the “high” category. However, there are some exceptions to the rule.

For instance, if the two provincial traps in Altona yield results for West Nile Virus, provincial officials can order a fogging regardless of local trap counts.