West Nile Virus Spotted In Idaho Again

It's that time of year again when folks who venture outdoors should take precautions against mosquito bites to keep from getting the West Nile virus. Put some insect repellant in the old tackle box or in the daypack before heading outside. West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes. The virus was first discovered in 1999 in New York. Since then, it has spread westward and now is found in all 48 continental states. The virus showed up in Idaho at a commercial fish farm in the Hagerman valley in November 2003. It hit Idaho with a vengeance last year, when nearly 1,000 people, 338 horses, 127 birds, including sage-grouse, and many other species were affected by the virus. The best protection against the virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Simple tips for prevention include: -Cover up exposed skin when outdoors. -Apply insect repellent containing DEET and approved by the EPA to exposed skin and clothing. Follow instructions on the product label, especially for children under 12. - Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. - Eliminate standing water that may provide mosquitoes a place to breed. - Empty birdbaths and clean decorative ponds every 3 to 6 days. - Repair or install screens on doors and windows. - If you have a horse, vaccinate it; one-third of horses infected by West Nile virus die. - Hunters should wear latex gloves when field dressing and handling wild game. - Cook meat thoroughly. For information visit the Idaho Department of Agriculture's Website at: http://www.idahoag.us/Categories/Animals/animalHealth/healthdisease.php…, or the Fish and Game Website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/manage_issues/wnv/.