Department of health seeks help stop the flow of West Nile Virus

About five years ago, Darrell Copeland found one of his horses dead, a victim of the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus.

Although the Fort Lonesome rancher had recently had the horse vaccinated, apparently it was too late. He says he now adamantly stays on top inoculations for his livestock.

Although much of the immediate FishHawk Ranch area is somewhat urbanized, it is surrounded by woodlands, pastures, farms and wetlands - perfect homes for mosquitoes.

With the summer rainfall season in full effect, the Florida Department of Health is emphasizing the importance of protecting against mosquito-borne diseases. The department of health is working with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, mosquito control agencies and state universities to monitor for mosquito-carried diseases, including West Nile Virus.

Situated on 11.5 acres, Copeland said he started regularly inoculating his 10 horses about 10 years ago, starting with Eastern equine encephalitis. About five years ago, he started giving shots for West Nile Virus, which includes a vaccine for tetanus. He said the loss of one horse prompted him to stay vigilant.

"I think it's very important to have livestock vaccinated and keep it current, before it's too late," said Copeland, who lives with his wife, Stephanie and daughter, Paige.

The Department of Health is hoping more residents and landowners begin to take precautions earlier to help curb the outbreaks of the disease.

In a written statement, the Department of Health has offered prevention tips, called the "5 Ds":

Dusk and Dawn - avoid the outdoors when mosquitoes are biting.

Dress - wear clothing that covers most of the body.

DEET (diethylmetatoluamide) - use repellents with DEET repellent chemicals.

Drainage - check around the home and ranch and rid areas of standing water, where mosquitoes lay eggs.

The department has also offered tips for properly using repellent, such as reading labels carefully before applying; using products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET; applying repellent to exposed skin or on clothing, but not under clothing; and keeping infants indoors when mosquitoes are present.

Mike Wally, co-owner of Fish Hawk Feed & Pet Supply in Lithia, said he store stocks West Nile Virus yearly vaccine injection kits for horses, which cost about $38. He said he inoculated his five horses in July and reminded livestock owners to keep excess water out of buckets outdoors, keep high brush trimmed and to spray livestock with repellent.

"Once per year and the shot should cover it," he said.

The Department of Health suggests homeowners also clean out eaves, troughs and gutters; turn over or remove empty pots; pump out bilges on boats; replace birdbath water and pet dishes once a week; change water in plant trays; and remove vegetation in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.

Susan Smith, press secretary with the Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee, said precaution is the key to avoiding the illness. She said West Nile Virus is especially a problem in west central Florida because of low-lying areas and standing waters.

"We encourage the people to be proactive in protecting themselves against mosquito born disease," she said. "Wearing clothing that covers most of the skin and using bug spray are two simple measures that everyone can adhere to."

According to the state health department, most people who get sick from mosquitoes have mild symptoms like headache, fever, dizziness and fatigue and anyone with more severe symptoms should consult their primary care physicians.

For information, see www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/medicine/arboviral/index.html.