Equestrian Days - West Nile Virus Protection

West Nile Virus Protection
By Michelle Sepelak
©2004

The best method for prevention of infection with West Nile Virus for animals is to reduce the risk of exposure to the mosquitoes that may carry the virus. Reducing the risk involves eliminating mosquito breeding sites to reduce the number of hatching mosquitoes, and to reduce exposure to adult mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so reduction of breeding sites involves eliminating stagnant water sources. To reduce the number of mosquito breeding sites follow these steps:

Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, buckets, ceramic pots or other unwanted containers.

Pay attention to discarded tires. Tires are important mosquito breeding sites.

Clean clogged roof gutters every year. Millions of mosquitoes can breed in roof gutters each season.

Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Empty and refill outdoor water troughs or buckets every few days.

Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.

Eliminate standing water on your property; especially near manure storage areas. Mosquitoes may breed in puddles that lasts for more than 4 days.

Michelle Sepelak has been raising horses for 4 years on her property in Middle TN. Though she have always held a high regard and a long-lasting love for these animals, she recently started getting more involved in the equine world.

Michelle also owns and operates Equestrian Days. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter that will keep you informed of new articles, products and reviews on the web!