Government orders airlines to ‘disinsect’ planes

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) has ordered airlines to conduct “disinsection,” spraying insecticide in the interior of their aircraft before landing or taking off at the country’s airports to prevent the spread of the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of the Zika virus as an international public health emergency.

Dr. Gerry Camba, a quarantine doctor at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, said airline personnel must submit the canisters they used as “proof” they fumigated the aircraft upon arriving at NAIA.

In the BOQ’s memorandum, every hold of the aircraft must be sprayed with two percent d-phenothrin and two percent permethrin upon arrival at the airport and prior to the cargo being unloaded. 

The number of cans of insecticide will be determined by the type of aircraft: a Boeing A747-400 needs 400 grams or four cans while a B737 needs only one can.

Should an airline fail to comply, the BOQ will spray the aircraft and charge the airline a fee of P375 per can.

Ed Monreal, Manila International Airport Authority general manager, said the NAIA will comply with the BOQ order.