Fight the Bite! Mosquito Treatments, Horse Vaccines Still Available

Third Case of West Nile Virus Reported in Oswego County

With the latest discovery of West Nile Virus in Oswego County, Senator Patty Ritchie is reminding residents of the continued availability of programs to help “Fight the Bite” and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Senator Ritchie arranged state funding to provide free larvicide treatments for county residents, as well as reduced cost EEE vaccinations for horses in Central and Northern New York to help stop the spread of the disease.

Demand has been strong for both programs, but funding is still available, according to state and local officials who are administering the grants.

“The discovery of West Nile Virus reminds us that mosquitoes are present and active, and that we need to take steps to protect ourselves from diseases like West Nile and EEE,” said Senator Ritchie.

“Wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts, using bug spray, reducing standing water around your home and using anti-mosquito treatments are just several things I’m urging people to do to avoid coming in contact with these insects.”

Oswego County health officials announced that the state Department of Health had confirmed the disease in mosquitoes in New Haven. Previously, WNV had been identified in Central Square. There have been no human cases, and no evidence of EEE this year.

The EEE vaccines can be obtained from your veterinarian at a reduced price, thanks to the state grant obtained by Senator Ritchie, who earlier this summer hosted two free vaccination clinics in Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties.

The free treatments—packets of a locally produced larvicide that can be used to treat standing water, including small pools, bird baths and ornamental ponds—are available through a partnership with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties:

Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District
3105 State Route 3
Fulton, New York 13069
592-9663

Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District
21168 State Route 232
Watertown, New York 13601
782-2749

St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District
1942 Old DeKalb Road
Canton, New York 13617
386-3582

Additional tips on protecting yourself from mosquitoes are available by clicking here.