It is known that mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent mid to late summer until the first frost followed by continuous cooler temperatures to kill off remaining mosquito eggs.

So, what can we do now to protect ourselves, our pets and our livestock from mosquito-borne diseases?

Reduce Exposure
1)  Cover your body when outdoors, especially at dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are more active. Wear long sleeves and pants to reduce skin exposure or avoid working outside during those hours.

2)  Use a repellant with an EPA registered ingredient such as:
     * DEET
     * Picaridin
     * Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or PMD
     * IR3535
     Repellant for clothing:
     * Permithrin is an excellent repellant for use on clothing, shoes or
       or camping gear. It is a good repellant for mosquitoes and ticks.

3) Have good screen enclosures on all windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
   
Drain Standing Water 
(to eliminate potential mosquito-breeding sites)
1)  Change the water in animal containers and birdbaths regularly. Remove any other water-holding containers left outside.

2)  Drill holes in the bottom of tire swings.

3)  Keep swimming pools well cleaned and chlorinated.

4)  Ornamental pools or ponds should be aerated or stocked with mosquito larvae-eating fish such as, goldfish, koi or mosquito fish.

5)  Add floating Bt briquettes in ponds to control mosquito larvae.

Protect Animals
Dogs and cats are not at as great a risk of contracting the West Nile virus as are larger animals, like horses. Mosquitoes can, however, infect dogs and cats with heartworm.

If your pets are outside, use special precaution at dusk and dawn. Only use vet approved repellants on pets. Human repellants can contain ingredients that are lethal to pets, especially cats since they can ingest the chemicals when cleaning themselves.

Most livestock do not show symptoms of West Nile virus, but over-exposure to the insect can cause weight loss in beef cattle and hogs, as well as a decrease in milk production in cows. According to Dr. Tony Frazier of the Alabama State Veterinarian's Office, the Culicoides mosquito known as the biting midge, is also responsible for the Bluetongue virus found predominantly in sheep.

Horses are at a greater risk of contracting the West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The best line of defense for horses is to vaccinate them against WNV and EEE. Products containing a synthetic pyrethroid compound, like permethrin, as the active ingredient offer additional protection. Check with your vet before using.

As with humans and pets, it is wise to protect all livestock from over-exposure to mosquitoes at dusk and dawn.

West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis cannot be spread from animals to humans, only through mosquitoes. Mosquitoes contract the disease from infected birds. So, do not handle dead birds with your bare hands. Report it to your county health officials through the Alabama Department of Public Health.

With any reported viral outbreak, it's always better to be safe and use precautions to prevent possible infection from occurring in the first place. For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control or the Alabama Cooperative Extension System websites.