b'TINY TERRORSanticipates that mosquitoes will not onlyits variability and intensity. Deluge-typeclimate-related changes to food supplies expand their range but also become morestorms, for instance, can flush out mos- and habitat. The Canadian report cites abundant. It attributes this to warmingquito larvae that were developing in pondsthat over the next 60 years, duration of temperatures, higher amounts of precipi- and ditches, leading to reduced numbers.mosquito-borne disease transmission in tation, and extreme weather events.Higher temperatures increase the rateCanada is likely to extend beyond the typi-Michigan experiences equine cases ofof larval development, which means morecal three-month period to five months. EEE each year, typically fewer than 10 permosquitoes to breed and exponential pop- Concern over the ongoing loss of insect year, says Wineland. High amounts ofulation increases. High seasonal tempera- and bird biodiversity (think bees) could rainfall contribute to an increased numbertures also shorten incubation times, withalso potentially lead to reduced pesticide of cases, and (in spring 2019) Michiganmore rapid mosquito hatches increasinguse. This could affect mosquito curtail-experienced abnormally heavy rainfall. numbers of potentially infective mosqui- ment, with greater numbers and higher Larvae of many mosquito species intoes. Plus, infected females seek hosts forrisk of disease exposure. At this time, the mountains and northern states growblood meals over a longer life span.however, there is no reason to think in melting snow pools in the spring, canClimate and weather patterns alsothat mosquito control measures have tolerate a bit of freezing, and emerge asinfluence yearly bird clutches, espe- decreased in the U.S. or that the bridging adults early to mid-summer. In Plainscially susceptible hatchlings that havemosquito populations are becoming resis-states, C. tarsalis mosquitoes flourish inpoor defensive behaviors against bitingtant to the pesticides used, says Vaala.spring rain puddles, emerging in largemosquitoes, in part because they cant yet numbers in late June. fly. These young birds often develop highTake-Home MessageMore rainfall amplifies the amount ofviremia because they have no immunity. Annual or twice-annual vaccination standing water available to mosquitoesTo add to the issue, some mosquitostrategies and comprehensive mosquito for laying eggs. Hot summers withoutspecies are likely to extend their range intocontrol efforts on horse properties can go drought breed the most mosquitoes, butnew areas. And, reservoir bird populationsa long way toward protecting both human rainfall can confound populations withare likely to move in conjunction withand horse from mosquito-borne disease.h20April 2020The Horse|TheHorse.com'