October 13, 2008
- Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Blackfoot - Idaho
Counties Preparing for Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus
By Nate Eaton
Eastern Idaho's recent wet weather combined with warming temperatures mean mosquitoes will soon be out in full force.
Last year several people in our area were infected with the mosquito-transmitted West Nile Virus. Channel 3 met with leaders from Eastern Idaho counties to find out how they're preparing for the insects and the possible spread of West Nile. Fremont County has decided to leave things the way they are when it comes to controlling mosquitoes this year. The county has one small abatement district in Salem but will mot be setting up any more. Skip Hurt, Fremont Co. Commissioner: "One of the big portions of our economy is our fishing. We'd sure hate to kill a fly hatch when we were dealing with mosquitoes." Instead of spraying, the county will work on educating the public about the dangers of mosquitoes. Madison County will do the same thing but plans on hiring someone who will oversee mosquitoes and weeds. That person will work on effective ways to control the mosquito population. In Jefferson County, an outside company will set traps to find the mosquitoes and their breeding places. This is the second year the county has used the company but next year voters will have to decide if the county needs a permanent mosquito abatement program. Bonneville County is already working on preventing the spread of West Nile. Workers are searching for popular breeding sites and may use volunteer BYU-Idaho students to help in the effort. If a West Nile outbreak happens in the county, an abatement program will be activated. Last year Bonneville County mosquito workers and BYU-Idaho interns were able to find 200 bodies of standing water and treat the areas for mosquitoes. The county is hoping this year the program will be most successful. |
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