WHO aircraft disinsection methods and procedures

Book excerpt: This document describes the latest methods and procedures for disinsection of internal areas of passenger, military and cargo aircraft to prevent international transport of mosquito vectors of human diseases and protect aircraft passengers and airline crew. It provides updates on insecticide application methods and equipment, physical requirements of aerosol and residual sprays, and revised calculation tables for aerosol spray amounts required, as well as updated examples of pre-embarkation and pre-departure cabin treatment and certification requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It is intended for use by Member States and stakeholders (e.g. airlines, airport authorities, members of the International Air Transport Association, ICAO, pesticide manufacturers and pesticide regulatory agencies). Countries that are in liaison with the departure country should observe the requirements for disinsection of arriving aircraft, taking into consideration various risk factors described in the document. The regulatory aspects of approval of products for aircraft disinsection and occupational risk assessment are beyond the scope of the document. Separate guidance is available for surveillance and control of vectors in and around airport premises. Although the prevention of importation of agricultural pests is beyond the scope of this document, many countries may require aircraft disinsection for this purpose.