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[RC] Fwd: FIRST 2003 WNV CASE REPORTED IN FLORIDA; VACCINATIONS FOR HORSES, PRECAUTIONS URGED - Ed Kilpatrick

 

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Terence McElroy
mcelrot@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(850) 488-3022
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 4, 2003
 

BRONSON REPORTS FIRST WNV CASE IN FLORIDA; URGES VACCINATIONS FOR HORSES, PRECAUTIONS BY RESIDENTS

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced the first case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Florida this season, and what is believed to be the first such case anywhere in the country, with confirmation that a horse contracted the disease in the Williston area on the border of Marion and Levy counties.

The 10-month-old Quarter Horse displayed symptoms of WNV about a week ago before succumbing to the disease a few days later.  Lab tests just received by Bronson's office confirmed the presence of WNV in the case.

In addition to that case, Bronson also confirmed that three more horses in Florida have contracted Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- a mosquito-borne viral infection like WNV.  The horses were located in Bradford, Putnam and Lake counties.  Those cases bring to nine the number of horses infected with EEE this year, and so far eight counties have been impacted by the disease.

Bronson said the cases underscore the importance of having horses and other equine vaccinated against both WNV and EEE and making sure that booster shots are up to date. Residents and visitors to Florida also need to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

"We are experiencing an early and tough mosquito season as a result of recent rain and warming temperatures," Bronson said.  "A few precautions can go a long way in minimizing your risk of being exposed to mosquito-borne diseases."

Residents are being encouraged to avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, wearing long sleeves and long pants when it is necessary to be outside during those hours, and using an insect repellent while outside.  Some types of mosquitoes are active biters during the day, so precautions should always be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Bronson also is urging residents to remove standing water from their property, including in old tires, kiddie pools, birdbaths and flower pot saucers, as stagnant water is an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Florida officials are asking the public to report dead birds through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website at www.wld.fwc.state.fl.us/bird .
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