Hong Kong will deploy robotic dogs as part of its enhanced mosquito-control efforts to curb the chikungunya virus, as the number of imported cases is expected to rise, the environment chief has said.
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Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan revealed the new measure on Saturday after the number of imported cases of the mosquito-borne disease increased to nine the previous day.
He said the government was exploring the use of new technology, including trialling a robotic dog next month. It will be used to carry and spray mosquito insecticide in rugged areas that are difficult for control teams to access on foot.
“Starting from next month, we will conduct a trial using a robotic dog to spray insecticide on hillsides and other places that are difficult for control teams to access,” he told a radio programme.
“This initiative is aimed at reducing burden on frontline staff during hot weather. If the trial proves successful, more robotic dogs will be deployed and the government will continue to research other new mosquito-control methods.”
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Tse added that the government’s current mosquito-control measures were similar to those used during previous dengue fever outbreaks, saying he was confident the Chikungunya situation could be contained.
