Rick Patrick
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Madison County Mosquito Control, Madison County Solid Waste, and Madison County Emergency Management are teaming up to battle deadly mosquitos by hosting a waste tire collection. Dubbed “Operation Tire Round Up,” this event will allow the citizens of Madison County to dispose of old tires, free of charge. The usual cost for recycling old tires is $3-$5. The first round up will take place Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17 with a second round scheduled for Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24. Old tires will be collected at the Madison County Solid Waste Recycling Center, located at 2040 NE Rocky Ford Rd., in Madison. The times for the collection will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no limit to the number of tires that can be disposed of. This event is only open to private citizens of Madison County, businesses must continue to dispose of old tires in accordance with procedures outlined by the Department of Environmental Protection.
As concern over mosquito borne diseases continues to rise and the Zika virus threat continues to spread across the state, citizens of Madison County are encouraged to take a proactive approach to the prevention of the virus. “By disposing of old and unused tires, possible breeding sources are greatly reduced,” said Leigh Webb, Deputy Director for Madison County Emergency Management.
The Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquitos, both of which are primarily daytime feeders. Their preferred breeding grounds are man-made containers such as tires, flower pots, buckets and other forms of yard debris. The most effective way to eliminate these mosquitos and thereby eliminate the health threats they pose is to eliminate the places where they breed. Those most susceptible to the Zika virus are pregnant women, as Zika is believed to cause birth defects, such as microcephaly. According to the Mayo Clinic, microcephaly is a rare neurological condition in which an infant's head is significantly smaller than the heads of other children of the same age and sex. It is important that citizens take precautions by applying mosquito repellant when outdoors and by mosquito proofing their homes. While most Zika cases are still travel related, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent any mosquito related illnesses. Cases of Encephalitis, another mosquito borne illness, have been identified as close as Jefferson County. The Madison County Health Department provides information packets on prevention and recognizing the symptoms of the Zika virus for residents of Madison County.
Funding for the tire round up is provided by the Madison County Emergency Management, Madison County Solid Waste and Recycling Department, and Madison County Mosquito Control.