An exemption for the use of the insecticide "Vectomax FG" in Saint-Barthélemy

An order dated September 1, published in the Journal Officiel three days later, authorizes "by way of derogation, the marketing and use by the general public of the product 'Vectomax FG' on the territory of the Collectivité of Saint-Barthélemy for a period of 180 days".Vectomax FG" on the territory of the Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy for a period of 180 days"(Arrêté du 1er septembre - Journal Officiel). This is in response to a request made on April 11 by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) for Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy.
This product falls into the category of insecticides and acaricides used to control arthropods. The decree specifies that "Vectomax FG" contains bacillus sphaericus and bacillus thuringiensis, "protein toxins grouped in crystals that kill arthropods".es in crystals, specifically killing the larvae of disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes and simuliums", it is stated on the ScienceDirect website, citing the annals of the Institut Pasteur.
The order published in the Journal Officiel provides further details as to why the derogation was granted. Firstly, the recent discovery of the Aedes albopictus mosquito on the island, which was previously absent from the French West Indies. But also the fact that "this species has not yet colonized the entire territory, and it remains possible to eradicate its presence". The document points out that "the control campaigns already carried out have not been sufficiently effective", and that it is "necessary to involve private individuals in control actions. it is necessary to involve private individuals in control actions, in particular by implementing larviciding treatments around their homes, in order to guarantee maximum effectiveness of operations".
The decree underlines the fact that "the larvicide product Vectomax FG, due to its persistence and efficacy, provides a more effective treatment against Aedes albopictus than other larvicides available on the market". It also states that the product is intended for use by professionals, but not exclusively. "It is necessary, on an exceptional and temporary basis, to authorize by dispensation the use of this product by the general public as part of coordinated control campaigns", stipulates the decree.
Through its communications department, the management of the Agence régionale de santé de Guadeloupe, de Saint-Martin et de Saint-Barthélemy (Regional Health Agency for Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy) was contacted.n Friday September 12, the Agence régionale de santé Guadeloupe, de Saint-Martin et de Saint-Barthélemy was asked to provide clarification on the use of the "Vectomax FG" in Saint-Barth. As of yesterday, Wednesday September 17, the JSB had not received a reply, even after a follow-up e-mail.