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West Nile Virus Brought to you by The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada How is it transmitted? What are the symptoms or signs of WNV? How is WNV diagnosed and treated? What areas in North America have been affected by WNV? What is Canada doing to prevent WNV from entering or becoming established? What is CFIA's role?   Also USA info links & a video identifying symptoms of an infected horse on the UC Davis site

Controlling Mosquitos to prevent West Nile Virus by Complete Rider Updated with sources We have been following the spread of West Nile in North America since 1999. From the first outbreak around the Bronx Zoo to the rapid spread throughout the America's. There are 4 main victim types: birds, wildlife, horses, and mankind. As the northern part of North America pulls out of a long and cold winter, the mosquito population increases and feeds on infected birds. That welcome harbinger of spring, the migration of birds can harbor a killer. The rapid western spread of West Nile has been attributed to mosquitoes hitching rides in container trucks. We have an experimental vaccine for our horses but what about us? There is no human vaccine at this time. ( Ask your vet about the vaccine for your horses) In 2002 there were a number of human deaths well reported in the media. What has not been well explained is the effects on humans and who is at risk. There has been a recent Canadian study that points out there was a significant number of people that were infected with West Nile and not properly diagnosed in 2002. The at risk group are those over 50 and those with a suppressed immune system. West Nile sufferers can have long lasting Polio like symptoms. Long term weakness, and 8 and 9 months later some are are still relearning to walk, after extensive therapy What To Do-- Prevention 1. Eliminate standing water areas where mosquitoes breed. Old tires, empty containers, clean out your water tanks every 4 days,and/ or get mosquitoes control. Products available are Mosquito Bits, Dunks,and Mosquito Magnets 2. Spray around your home and barns. Mosquito Barrier is a product we have found.           3. Wear repellent. DEET is still most recommended.             4. Wear long sleeves-- light colours and make sure your window screens are in good working order. In heavy Mosquito areas consider a bug hat.   The above products are avaiable online from Gemplers ltd   For areas where standing water cannot be reduced or eliminated, biological larvicide control is available. Mosquito Bits and Mosquito Dunks contain Bacillus thuringiensis (subspecies israelensis) bacteria that feed on mosquito larvae. They can be used anywhere that you find standing water including flower pots, roof gutters, old tires, and ponds. Mosquito Bits are small granules containing the Bti bacteria that are spread on the water surface. The larvicide granules gradually settle in the water where they are eaten by mosquito larvae. Mosquito Bits will give a quick kill, usually within 24 hours. The recommended application rates are one teaspoon for 25 square feet or one tablespoon for 75 square feet, regardless of the water depth. A seven to fourteen day interval between applications is recommended. For longer term control, Mosquito Dunks can be used after applying Mosquito Bits. Mosquito Dunks are 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick, with a small hole in the center. They contain the same larvicide as the Mosquito Bits. The Dunks float on top of the water and will be effective for approximately 30 days. While floating, they slowly release the larvicide that settles in the water where it is eaten by mosquito larvae. Alternate wetting and drying will not reduce their effectiveness. The center hole can be used to anchor the dunks in place with a string or stake. Recommended application rates are 1/4 dunk for 1-5 square feet of water surface area and one dunk for 25-100 square feet of water surface area. Note: Mosquito Bits and Mosquito Dunks should not be applied to treated, finished water which will be used for drinking. For our Canadian Completeriders. The Bits and Dunks have not been approved by the Canadian Federal Government at this time ( spring 2003). There is a product called Vectobac from Natural Insect Control a company out of ONT. that works the same as the Bits and Dunks according to our source at Dr. D Dalton Equine Veterinarian Services in Red Deer AB. The company can be reached by phone 905-382-2904 * We have also found Canadian Companies that sell a product called Mosquito Magnet or Mosquito Trap. This product is propane based thermal producing unit that emits CO2. This attracts the mosquito into it's trap and after 2 months of continuous use, removes most of the egglaying population up to a range of 3/4 of an acre. Claims made are, this type of unit is used in collection for bug research. Found at some UFA stores and a retailer out of Toronto called Hedonistics.   Mosquito Barrier kills and chases mosquitoes, ticks and fleas out of the treated area immediately upon spraying and keeps them out for up to 4 weeks and longer. Odor disappears in about 30 minutes. Mosquito Barrier is a very strong liquid garlic that is diluted in water and sprayed on grass, shrubs, flowers and into any trees in the area. Mosquito Barrier is a three-pronged attack accomplished with just one spraying. First it kills the adult mosquitoes on contact. Second the garlic-coated plants keep mosquitoes out of the area. Last it suffocates any mosquito larvae in standing water, such as puddles, under decks, water in tin cans or depressions in lawns, etc. Safe for children, pets and plants. Container treats 5 acres. USA made. Combines natural ingredients such as Citronella and Peppermint Oil with highly effective DEET. Originated for outdoor professionals, Power DEET 25 provides hours of protection form insect pests. When applied to exposed skin areas, Power DEET 25 repels ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, deer flies, horse flies, biting flies, bees, fleas and chiggers. Pump spray formula goes on smoothly without feeling greasy or sticky. Contains 25% DEET. 2 oz. pump spray.     Nylon Mesh Beekeeper's Veil This veil fits over our pith-style helmets and also any hat with some strength in the brim. Beekeeper's veil is good as mosquito netting, too. Elastic at top and bottom secures the nylon mesh veil and a tie-down cord (included) keeps the veil from slipping up when you bend over. Lightweight, yet very durable. USA made.     >>Archives E-Mail info@completerider.com Features|Health|Nutrition|Horse Power|Horse Sport|Horseman|Canadian Thoroughbred|Horse News| TV Show|Horse Play|Learning Center|Sale Horses|HorsE-Shop|Contact Us| Advertise| designed for grasslands entertainment group by webSlave Mara all rights reserved