Posted: May 16, 2009 06:34 PM
By Delivrine Registre -
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - The battle continues against mosquitoes in Southwest Georgia. And that fight may move to the air. They are breeding and biting, and county officials are receiving a record number of complaints after the mosquito population exploded during spring flooding.
Dougherty County officials are now talking with FEMA about aerial applications of mosquito [larvicide or adulticide] in order to hit some of those hard to reach areas of standing water. Environmental protection is currently spraying seven days a week to combat the problem.
Public health declared a health emergency in 23 South Georgia counties because of the danger from so many mosquitoes. Most South Georgians are aware of the dangers of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus.
So it's important to take steps to protect your family, but what many don't realize is mosquitoes also pose a threat to pets. And with all of the standing water in our area, your pet has an even greater chance of contracting a potentially deadly disease.
Long, white strands were removed from the bloodstream of a cat that died from heart worm disease. And that transmission likely began in standing water. "The only way a pet can become infected by heart worms is by being bitten by a mosquito that is carrying heart worms," said Dr. Fred Freeland of Albany Pet Partners.
Heart worms are parasitic worms that live in the heart and lungs of infected animals. Mosquitoes become carriers when they feed on them, but prevention is often as easy as giving your pet a pill every month.
"There are products that only treat heart worms and can cost three to four dollars a month for a large dog," said Dr. Freeland. Regardless, many pets still go untreated. "The sad thing about heart worms is that it is an invisible disease to the owner," said Dr. Freeland.
And with all of the standing water left from late March storms, the risk of heart worm infection is high. "There is no question we will likely see more mosquito borne-diseases and not just heart worms," said Dr.
Freeland.
"The frustrating thing is that we won't see the effects of the mosquitoes until six months from now." Vets say even isolated pets are at risk. "Heart worms are present in coyotes, foxes and the wild dog population that no body treats."
An infected dog can be treated with a series of three injections that are so strong they can kill your pet. "I would much rather prevent them than run the risk of having a dog die of the disease or die during treatment," said Dr. Freeland.
And is why vets are pushing prevention for pet owners especially at a time when flood waters can produce more carriers. You can do your part to keep the mosquito population low around your home by dumping out any standing water in any water bowls, flower pots, bird baths and old tires.
©2009 WALB News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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This year's mosquito season could be a bad one, a Georgia expert says
Surge in mosquitoes expected, expert says By Preston Sparks | Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
This year's mosquito season could be a bad one, a Georgia expert says.
"With returned rains, I would think we're going to have populations that we haven't experienced in two to three years," said Elmer Gray, a University of Georgia public health extension specialist who focuses on mosquito education.
He said south Georgia has reported mosquito increases, and the Augusta area should begin seeing larger numbers in the next month.
Officials blame the surge on the 18-month drought during which mosquito eggs sat waiting for water. Now those eggs are hatching.
"So what you're getting now is ... almost two years' worth of mosquito eggs hatching out," said Fred Koehle, an operations manager for Richmond County Mosquito Control, which recently began its treatments. "They're the worst I've seen in the past four years, so it's tough."
Mr. Koehle said he could use extra funding and would like to add a full-time worker to run a spray truck. He said he could speed the cycle of treating the county from 41/2 weeks to three.
But that won't happen this year. He said last year his office got $170,000 and an additional $50,000 from the county.
"This year, we got the $170,000 and that's it," he said.
At the start of this year, Mr. Koehle said, his department began enforcing a county ordinance that forbids a home or business owner from allowing standing water that breeds mosquitoes. He said he has two cases involving swimming pools pending in magistrate court.
Property owners can be cited if they do nothing within 45 days of an inspection. The violation is a misdemeanor and could result in a fine of as much as $1,000, he said.
Other areas are doing their part.
"We're hoping to start (larvicide granule spray treatments) this week and carry on out until the population starts getting lower," said Robbie Hunt, who is in charge of Aiken's mosquito-abatement program.
Aiken County started spraying May 6, said Assistant County Administrator Todd Glover.
In Columbia County, Emergency Services Director Pam Tucker said larvicide pellets are used because sprays "kill only what is in the path of the spray." She said the county is maintaining past funding for mosquito abatement.
Reach Preston Sparks at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.
CONTROL CHECKLIST
- Dispose of old tires, buckets or other water-holding containers.
- Fill in or drain low areas.
- Clean out drains or ditches, allowing easier drainage.
- Cover your trash container.
- Repair any leaking pipes or faucets.
- Empty plastic wading pools and store them indoors.
- Fill in tree rot holes.
- At least once a week, change the water in bird baths and plant pots.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubs trimmed.
- Make sure window and door screens are "bug tight."
- Replace outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights, which attract fewer mosquitoes.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
- Use an insect repellent approved by the Environment Protection Agency.
Source: City of Aiken newsletter; Columbia County Emergency Services Director Pam Tucker; Elmer Gray, University of Georgia public health extension specialist
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
This year's mosquito season could be a bad one, a Georgia expert says.
"With returned rains, I would think we're going to have populations that we haven't experienced in two to three years," said Elmer Gray, a University of Georgia public health extension specialist who focuses on mosquito education.
He said south Georgia has reported mosquito increases, and the Augusta area should begin seeing larger numbers in the next month.
Officials blame the surge on the 18-month drought during which mosquito eggs sat waiting for water. Now those eggs are hatching.
"So what you're getting now is ... almost two years' worth of mosquito eggs hatching out," said Fred Koehle, an operations manager for Richmond County Mosquito Control, which recently began its treatments. "They're the worst I've seen in the past four years, so it's tough."
Mr. Koehle said he could use extra funding and would like to add a full-time worker to run a spray truck. He said he could speed the cycle of treating the county from 41/2 weeks to three.
But that won't happen this year. He said last year his office got $170,000 and an additional $50,000 from the county.
"This year, we got the $170,000 and that's it," he said.
At the start of this year, Mr. Koehle said, his department began enforcing a county ordinance that forbids a home or business owner from allowing standing water that breeds mosquitoes. He said he has two cases involving swimming pools pending in magistrate court.
Property owners can be cited if they do nothing within 45 days of an inspection. The violation is a misdemeanor and could result in a fine of as much as $1,000, he said.
Other areas are doing their part.
"We're hoping to start (larvicide granule spray treatments) this week and carry on out until the population starts getting lower," said Robbie Hunt, who is in charge of Aiken's mosquito-abatement program.
Aiken County started spraying May 6, said Assistant County Administrator Todd Glover.
In Columbia County, Emergency Services Director Pam Tucker said larvicide pellets are used because sprays "kill only what is in the path of the spray." She said the county is maintaining past funding for mosquito abatement.
Reach Preston Sparks at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.
CONTROL CHECKLIST
- Dispose of old tires, buckets or other water-holding containers.
- Fill in or drain low areas.
- Clean out drains or ditches, allowing easier drainage.
- Cover your trash container.
- Repair any leaking pipes or faucets.
- Empty plastic wading pools and store them indoors.
- Fill in tree rot holes.
- At least once a week, change the water in bird baths and plant pots.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubs trimmed.
- Make sure window and door screens are "bug tight."
- Replace outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights, which attract fewer mosquitoes.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
- Use an insect repellent approved by the Environment Protection Agency.
Source: City of Aiken newsletter; Columbia County Emergency Services Director Pam Tucker; Elmer Gray, University of Georgia public health extension specialist
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