Four degrees of latitude: mosquito control on the "right" coasts of Australia and Florida, USA.

This study compares mosquito control within similar environments between 26 and 30 degrees of latitude on the east central coasts of Florida and of Australia. It describes and compares the relevant mosquito-producing environments, the development of mosquito control, legislative framework, funding arrangements, and organizational differences between the areas, including the international interactions that have facilitated good practices. The article identifies some strengths and weaknesses of the programs in each area. Significant strengths include some aspects of funding and administration; collaborations with other organizations; the roles of national and state organizations, including research agencies; and commitment of individuals. Potential weaknesses in programs that are part of larger organizations include their relatively low position in the organizational hierarchy and the need to compete for resources. Programs that are independent districts may lack opportunity to interact with other land management units. Other weaknesses include the relatively high turnover of staff in state environmental resource agencies and the potential loss of institutional memory when long-term mosquito control staff members leave. The case comparison highlights similarities in product use at the individual program level (Indian River Mosquito Control District and Gold Coast Pest Management Unit) and differences in practices including aerial adulticiding being used in Florida but not in Australia.