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2010 has been the hottest year on record in the United States so
far. The sweltering heat mixed with the wet summer days has
increased mosquito activity. As mosquito season is still lurking,
there are some important diseases associated with mosquitoes that
can be transmitted to humans and pets that everyone needs to be
Heartworm disease most commonly affects dogs, however cats and
humans are sometimes affected. Heartworm disease is caused by
heartworms, which live in the blood vessel connecting the heart to
the lungs. It is a life-threatening disease for dogs. Individuals
are infected with the worm through the bite of a mosquito carrying
the larvae of the worm. It can be prevented in dogs and cats with
monthly pills or topical treatments. Once an individual is
infected, treatment is very difficult and is risky.
"Treatment of heartworm disease is expensive and potentially
dangerous," explains Dr. Mark Stickney, clinical assistant
professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine &
Biomedical Sciences. "There are numerous side effects to
treatments, for example the patient can develop blood clots. The
best option is to take preventative measures and develop a monthly
heartworm preventative schedule to give to your pets."
The West Nile virus is another disease that is common among
animals. It is spread when a mosquito bites a bird infected with
the virus and then in turn bites another individual to spread the
disease. It first appeared in the United States in New York City in
1999. Since then, it has spread throughout the United States.
Horses are the most commonly affected animals. Humans and dogs are
also affected but on much rarer occasions.
"The symptoms of the West Nile virus are similar in horses and
humans," notes Stickney. "Both victims develop neurologic symptoms
that include stumbling, seizures, and inability to use limbs. When
dogs are exposed to the virus their body normally does not show any
outward reactions because their body usually fights it off. When
they do develop the disease, dogs also show neurological
At this point there is no treatment for the West Nile virus.
Scientists are currently working on a vaccine for humans.
One of the most dangerous mosquito borne viruses that affects
horses and humans is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). It affects
the central nervous system and causes severe complications that may
lead to death. This virus also originates from mosquitoes biting an
infected bird and then passing that infection on to their
EEE is also known as the "sleeping sickness" because its onset
is very fast and is hard to diagnose. Symptoms of EEE in horses
usually break through within five days of the infected mosquito
bite. Initially, horses are depressed and quiet. They experience
impaired vision, inability to swallow, and aimless wandering. As
the virus strengthens the horse will start to exhibit paralysis,
convulsions, and ultimately death. Death normally occurs after two
to three days of the infected horse showing signs. Vaccines are
available for horses and it is recommended that they get them
Most people who are exposed to EEE do not have any
complications. The rare few who are affected incur severe symptoms.
Initially they experience headaches, fever, chills, and vomiting.
The symptoms may advance to disorientation, seizures, coma, or
sometimes even death.
One can take preventive measures to avoid the occurrence of
"Avoid being outside from dusk until dawn during mosquito season
when mosquitoes are most active," explains Stickney. "Get rid of
standing water. If you have a pond, lake, or tank on your property
put mosquito dunks in the water to prevent mosquito eggs and larvae
from developing. Don't depend on flea and tick labeled repellants
to ward off mosquitoes because your pet can still get bitten."
Prior to mosquito season it is important to do a check up and
mosquito proof houses. Fix or install window and door screens so
that there are no leaks into the house. Make sure to remove areas
or cover containers with standing water where mosquitoes lay
"Don't assume that just because your cat or dog has long hair
that mosquitoes won't bite them because they will," notes
Stickney. "If your pet is an inside animal they are also
affected by mosquitoes because mosquitoes can force themselves
inside too. The best method is to take preventative measures
because with all these mosquito transmitted diseases an ounce of
prevention is truly worth a pound of cure."
ABOUT PET TALK
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