Agriculture Officials Recommend Prompt Vaccination of Horses

Areas of Maryland from Baltimore to the lower Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland are experiencing an early outbreak of mosquitoes this year, prompting State officials to recommend precautions for horses and people. The mild winter and a wet spring created favorable breeding and hatching conditions for the insect, and adult mosquitoes are emerging two to three weeks earlier than normal.

“We continue to concentrate on reducing the population of mosquito larvae,” said Cyrus Lesser, chief of mosquito control. “Biological pesticides are being applied to wetlands by aircraft, truck and backpack sprayers. Adult mosquito spraying may begin in early May in areas most seriously infested.”

Mosquitoes can transmit diseases to both humans and animals, and as a result of the early emergence of the insect, precautions should be taken now to protect livestock, especially horses, as well persons who spend a significant amount of time out-of-doors.

“People going outdoors in mosquito-impacted areas should use repellant and wear clothing that covers as much exposed skin as practical,” Lesser said. “Controlling mosquitoes around urban and suburban homes is as simple as removing any standing water in the yard, keeping gutters clear, and changing birdbath water at least weekly. Backyard mosquito control is most effective when the whole neighborhood joins in