Bad skeeters

Mosquito season 2018 “is a strong one, one of the worst in years” — and that goes for people and animals, says Dr. Charles Broaddus, Virginia’s State Veterinarian. The deluge of rain in May and June created stagnant pools of water that were perfect for mosquito breeding.

Prevention methods include draining standingwater breeding sites (containers or remaining puddles), removing animals from mosquito-infested areas during peak biting times (usually dusk to dawn), and turning off lights at night in and around barns and elsewhere in buggy areas.

“Now it has hit in full force, and horses are at risk of contracting mosquitoborne diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV),” the vet warns. The horse mortality rate with EEE is 90 percent, and owners are asked to check with their vets and see if they recommend vaccination.