Katrina Increases Mosquito Population; WNV Outbreak Not Expected


The mosquito population of the Hurricane Katrina-affected areas is expected to increase at a staggering rate, according to Joe Conlon, American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) technical advisor. However, he added the possibility of a West Nile virus (WNV) epidemic is unlikely.


“We are not looking for a spike in WNV, or Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) cases, but we have been wrong before,” Conlon said. “Horse owners should be prudent and vaccinate or booster animals in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.”


William Jeter, DVM, bureau chief, Florida Bureau of Animal Disease Control, agrees that a dramatic increase in encephalitis cases  might not occur. “The mosquito population will be up, but there are several other factors that must be present along with an increase in mosquito populations in order for outbreaks to. However, there is always an increased risk of equine encephalitic diseases when mosquito populations increase,” Jeter said

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