Local authorities and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) have begun mosquito eradication efforts to combat the spread of West Nile virus (WNV). The KDA’s mosquito spraying schedule can be found on the KDA web site at www.kyagr.com.

The Department will spray for mosquitoes at the request of local officials and local health departments. Some county and city governments conduct their own spray program.

“Mosquito spraying has become a public health issue since West Nile came to the United States four years ago,” Agriculture Commissioner Billy Ray Smith said. “West Nile is spread by mosquitoes that contract it from infected birds. The virus was confirmed in 513 equine and 75 humans last year, and five of those people died. The Department of Agriculture will work with
local leaders to eliminate mosquito infestations that pose a threat to human and equine health.”

People who do not have Internet access may contact their county judge-executive’s office or local health department to find out if there is a local mosquito control program or when the KDA will be spraying in their area