In part one of this series we covered the history of this disease, how it's transmitted and discussed vaccinating horses. In the second part we covered important farm management techniques for minimizing mosquito populations as well as using beneficial natural controls. This month we conclude with chemical and other controls, prevention in humans and additional resources. Those readers who live outside Western Washington have contacts at the state or provincial level that are comparable to the Washington State resources listed here.
If you are interested in biological control methods, start with fish. Investigate stocking farm ponds and ornamental pools with mosquito-eating fish such as mud minnows, stickleback, and perch. Anecdotal information is that goldfish are good mosquito controls, too. The Mosquito Fish has been used for mosquito control in many other states because of the adult fish's ability to consume large quantities of mosquitoes. These little, warm-water fish tend to prefer shallow areas and are reported to flourish in almost any condition. However, be very cautious about using non-native fish as they can carry diseases or out-compete native populations, or cause other problems. There also are strict laws regarding the introduction of and transfer of fish. For more information contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Aquaculture Coordinator, Andy Appleby, at 360-902-2663 or email him at appleaea@dfw.wa.gov.
The Mosquito Dunk is another option. This floating disk slowly releases a bacterial agent that primarily targets the larva stage. Summit Chemical, the company that makes them, claims they are safe with livestock and pets and that the active ingredient is only harmful to mosquito larva. Be sure to read the label and directions. They are reported to be available at Fred Meyers and other hardware and garden supply stores. You can read more about Mosquito Dunks and Summit Chemical at their website www.summitchemical.com.
Regular applications of insecticides for your horse may be necessary to control the mosquitoes in your area. Consult your veterinarian for the type of fly spray they recommend and the frequency of application. Be sure to read the directions on the bottle before handling and applying it.
Pesticides are available for spraying and killing mosquitoes. The kind used will depend on the types of mosquitoes you have present and the life cycle stage they are at. Under the federal Clean Water Act, use of any pesticide in water requires a permit. For more information on pesticide spraying, handling and the associated laws contact Washington State Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Management Division, (360) 902-1972 or check out the website at www.wa.gov/agr/PestFert/default.htm.
In addition, health officials recommend that people concerned about exposure to WNV try to schedule outdoor activities during daylight hours, avoiding dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. When you are in mosquito infested areas wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and make sure your mosquito repellents contain DEET (be sure to follow the directions on the container). Also, screen all doors and windows and check them regularly for rips or holes.
Bird testing will resume this spring and officials encourage us to report dead birds to our local health department. But YOU can help reduce the spread of WNV through mosquito habitat reduction on your farm starting today! As Benjamin Franklin once said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You, your horses, your neighbors, AND the environment will be a lot happier -- and a whole lot healthier!
Good luck and good horsekeeping to you.
RESOURCES
For reporting dead birds:
Jack Lilja
West Nile Virus surveillance program manager
Washington State Department of Health
1112 SE Quince Street, P.O. Box 47890
Olympia, Washington, 98504-7890
360-236-3366
www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/WNV/WNV.html
For questions on pesticide use and handling:
Wendy Sue Wheeler
Pesticide Registration Specialist / Aquatic Pesticides
Washington State Department of Agriculture,
Pesticide Management Division
PO Box 42589/1111 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504-2589
E-Mail: wswheeler@agr.wa.gov
Phone: (360) 902-1972
Fax: (360) 902-2093
Web Site: http://www.wa.gov/agr/PestFert/default.htm
For questions on the vaccine:
John H. Tuttle DVM
Manager, Professional Services--Equine
Fort Dodge Animal Health
9401 Indian Creek Parkway Suite 1500
Overland Park, KS 66210
1-800-533-8536
jtuttle@fdah.com
www.wyeth.com
For the latest on the spread of WNV among horses check the USDA Web site, www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/wnv.
WESTNILEVIRUS-L is an email discussion group for communication and discussion on WNV, particularly regarding policy, risk reduction and public education issues. www.cfe.cornell.edu/erap/WNV/WNV-LArchiveIndex.cfm is moderated by Dr. Lois Levitan at Cornell University's Environmental Risk Analysis Program. To subscribe, send an email to envrisk@cornell.edu. Include your contact information and the name of this listserv (WESTNILEVIRUS-L) in your message.
Zoos are very concerned about WNV. Check out the American Zoological Association's website at www.aza.org.
More information on West Nile virus is available on the Washington State Department of Health web site, www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/WNV/WNV.html.
WSU Cooperative Extension Whatcom County has a dedicated website for WNV info, www.whatcom.wsu.edu/commun/wnv.htm.
Cornell University has an interesting WNV website,
www.cfe.cornell.edu/erap/WNV/.
For updates on the disease overall check The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, www.cdc.gov. WNV information is available there at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/.
On the EPA website for information on mosquitoes & pesticides:
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/skeeters.htm,
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/citizens/mosquito.htm
For help with mud and manure management on your horse farm contact:
Your local Conservation District. Conservation Districts work with farmers and livestock owners assisting with land management issues such as mud, manure and pasture management.
For nest boxes:
The Original Birdhouse Book, by Don McNeil
The National Audubon Society, 1-212-979-3000
In Western WA you can buy different nesting boxes from Rainier Audubon Society, 253-939-6411. You can also receive plans to build nesting boxes from WSU Snohomish County Cooperative Extension at 425-338-2400
Also check local feed stores, hardware stores and wild bird supply stores
For bat houses:
Bat Conservation International, P.O. Box 162603, Austin TX 78716
Real Goods catalogue (carries bat houses), 1-800-762-7325
In Western WA, you can purchase bat houses through Rainier Audubon, 253-939-6411
WSU Cooperative Extension Snohomish County, WA, 425-338-2400, has plans available on how to build a bat house as well as more information
Also check gardening supply catalogues and stores, local feed stores and wild bird supply stores
Insecticidal sprays for horses:
Jeffers Equine catalogue, 1-800-533-3377
Stateline Tack, 1-800-228-9208
Wiese Equine Supply catalogue, 1-800-869-4373
Also check local feed and tack stores
Horses for Clean Water offers horsekeeping education on topics such as pasture, manure and mud management. Checkout the website for free handouts on mud management, natural insect control and composting manure. For more information on Horses for Clean Water:
Alayne Blickle, Program Director, 425-432-6116, ARBlickle@aol.com, www.HorsesforCleanWater.com.
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Alayne Renee Blickle, a life-long equestrian and creator/director of Horses for Clean Water, is an environmental educator working with horse and livestock owners. Contact Alayne by email at ARBlickle@aol.com or visit the HCW website at www.horsesforcleanwater.com.
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