5/4/2011
Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is warning horse owners to control mosquitoes around their animals to minimize the chance of their equines contracting West Nile Virus (WNV).
“The most important thing farmers can do is to eliminate standing water around barns and other places where animals gather,” said Commissioner Douglass. “Mosquitoes breed only in standing water. Eliminating old tires or poorly drained areas can go a long way toward protecting your horses.”
Commissioner Douglass also recommended that people contact their local veterinarians about vaccinating their horses – which are particularly susceptible to WNV.
It is also advisable to wear insect repellants, long sleeves and long pants when exposure to mosquitoes is likely, and to make sure gutters drain freely and don’t hold standing water. Recommended insect repellants are those containing DEET, picaridan, oil of lemon eucalyptus and ir3535.
Although severe WNV cases are rare in humans, it can cause serious illness due to inflammation in the brain, spinal cord or nerves. It has been present in the United States since 1999 and is carried by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds. An infected mosquito can then spread WNV to birds, humans, horses and other animals. WNV cannot be spread from one person to another.
Contact Information
Buddy Davidson, Communications Officer
304-558-3708; 304-541-5932 (cell)