Urban landscape design and management implications for reducing West Nile virus.

摘要

This thesis is an investigation of the influences of urban and landscape design on urban West Nile virus (WNV) risk. Through meta-analysis of urban ecology and epidemiology literature and existing WNV models, this paper shows how risk of WNV infection varies with urban landscape elements, form, and local mosquito control management in two neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A multi-scale design and management approach is described and evaluated using a GIS comparing the effects of the principles on WNV infection risk. Results suggest that surface-warmed stagnant subsurface water in conjunction with mature tree canopy and open lawn create a high-risk environment.