West Nile Virus - Join the "Swat-Team"

"Green" Tips for "Fighting the Bite"

WNV is a mosquito-borne infection that horses and humans can develop from the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, which develop into thousands of mosquitoes in 7-10 days. Take the following simple steps to minimize the risk of disease in your horses. Controlling mosquito larvae is important because it limits the number of adult mosquitoes in the area. Adult female mosquitoes bite humans and animals and can spread diseases such as West Nile virus, malaria, and several types of encephalitis. By controlling mosquito larvae, you can lessen your chances of getting bit by mosquitoes that spread these diseases.

So limiting exposure to mosquitoes is fundamental to helping prevent the spread of West Nile Virus. Reducing the amount of standing water available for mosquito breeding is a key factor.

Here are some simple tips for your stable, barn and your surroundings:

1. 
   
   Vaccinate:There are two licensed products available. Contact your Vet to ensure your horses vaccination status is current.
2. 
   
   Dusk to Dawn:House horses indoors during peak periods of mosquito activity. Turn out after sunrise and
   return to stable before sundown.
3. 
   
   Lights Off Inside:Avoid turning on lights inside stables during the evening and overnight. Try to limit your activities to daytime hours. This will help in avoiding mosquitoes and conserving energy at the same time.
4. 
   
   Lights ON Outside:Place incandescent bulbs around the perimeter of the stable to attract mosquitoes away from horses.
5. 
   
   Up-Side-Down:Feed Buckets upside down, keep whellbarrows empty in upright position, any water-holding container upside down or dispose/ recycle if no longer needed.
6. 
   
   No Tires -No Trash-Recycle:Remove and recycle all discarded tires.
   Dispose of items that can hold water, including cans, cups, and bags. Make sure trashcans are tightly covered to prevent rainwater from collecting.
7. 
   
   Buy Fish and Filter:Stangnant water breeds mosquitoes ! Areate your pond or oranmental pools and stock with ,mosquito fish. These fish eat mosquito larvae that have just hatched from eggs.
8. 
   
   Manage Drainage:Clean roof gutters and keep outdoor drains free flowing, keep barn gutters clear of leaves and debris that can cause water pooling. Fix leaky hoses and faucets that may create puddles.
9. 
   
   Cover up:Use flysheets and fly masks for protection
10. 
    
    Garlic against Vampires:Start feeding garlic on a regular basis at least three months before mosquito-season starts
11. 
    
    Close Doors:Close stable doors and use screens to keep mosquitoes from entering your barn.
12. 
    
    Keep it clean:
    Keep stalls as clean as possible and horses free from sweat. (e.g. hose off after work)
    
    Most important:KEEP YOUR HORSES TAIL IN CHECK !!!This is the most effective fly swat around !!!