ABOUT

HISTORY

 The Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District (CCMAD) was formed in the fall of 1997 as the result of a grassroots effort to help control the mosquito population around the Lake Lowell sector of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge with the District’s original title being “The Lake Lowell Mosquito Abatement District.” With foresight, desire, and a goal to expand mosquito abatement operations county-wide, the governing body later changed the name to Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District (CCMAD). 

During the first year of operation, the District relied on donations and the hard work of volunteers. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service granted a work permit to perform mosquito abatement activity on Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (DFNWR) and as a result, mosquito populations were dramatically reduced. 

In 1999 when cattle, grazing on private pastures adjacent to Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, tested positive for Western Equine Encephalitis, and West Nile virus began its journey across the United States. These events further legitimized the need for mosquito surveillance and abatement in Canyon County. 

Over the next few years, CCMAD built an operations facility, hired their first Director of Operations, and expanded their surveillance program.