Full Text
News Release City of Fernley Gary Bacock, City Manager Voice (775) 784-9851 Fax (775) 784-9839 [EMAIL REDACTED] 05/31/06 www.cityoffernley.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WATER AND WARM WEATHER MEAN MORE MOSQUITOES Vaccinate Your Horses Wednesday, May 31, 2006, 5:00 PM Out of Town Park Rodeo Grounds Fernley, NV – May 31, 2006 - A joint effort between the City of Fernley Vector Control and Churchill County Mosquito Abatement District is scheduled for Wednesday, May 31st at 5:00 PM. The joint program is designed to provide equine vaccinations and West Nile Virus information to horse owners in our area. To participate in the clinic please contact Sandy Davis at 784-9883 or Nancy Upham at 423-2828. Heavy rain and warm weather are perfect ingredients for breeding mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus (WNV), City of Fernley Vector Control Supervisor, Sandy Davis warned. Horses - Like people, most horses bitten by mosquitoes will not become sick with WNV. However, of those that do, signs may include stumbling, circling, hind leg weakness, inability to stand, muscle tremors, and death. A vaccine to prevent WNV illness in horses is available at the vaccination clinic or from your veterinarian. WNV vaccine and other vaccines guard against mosquito-borne diseases (western equine encephalitis and eastern equine encephalitis). The City of Fernley Vector Control Division began mosquito abatement operations in the City on May 1st. The City’s efforts began a month earlier than the average start of West Nile season, which is typically in early June. Davis recommends four simple ways for individuals to protect themselves from WNV: • Eliminate all standing water buckets, flowerpots, old tires, gutters and other sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding. • Wear DEET, the most effective insect repellent, picaradin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. • Wear long sleeves and long pants if you are going to be out at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active. • Make sure all window screens in the home are in good repair and functional. # # #