Fish released in zoo lake to curb dengue

Species will help eliminate algae and mosquitoes on water surface

LAHORE:

Hundreds of tilapia fish have been released in the Lahore Zoo Lake to eliminate dengue mosquitoes and their larvae from the water body.

Tilapia fish farming is a cheap substitute for the use of expensive chemicals and a cost-effective and safe way to prevent the spread of dengue.

The Director of Lahore Zoo, Zahid Iqbal Sheikh, along with other staff, released tilapia and other fish seeds into the zoo lake. The director stated that the fish would help eliminate the green algae and mosquitoes that were emerging on the surface of the lake.

The director of fisheries of South Punjab had provided various types of fish, which have been released into the lake.

Zahid Sheikh mentioned that this is a natural method to eliminate algae and dengue mosquitoes from the water, as the fish consume both as food. He added that the release of the fish will not only eradicate dengue mosquitoes from the zoo's lake but also attract tourists due to the sight of fish swimming in the water. Fish have also been released in the zoo's fountains and waterfall.

Experts claim that Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes are the ones that transmit dengue fever throughout the world, including Pakistan.

The spotted mosquito is found in Pakistan from September to December after the monsoon rains and can survive in temperatures between 10 and 40 degrees Celsius. Female mosquitoes need to consume blood to produce eggs, thus their bite transmits dengue virus to humans.