Florida media are warning about the issues of standing water and the prevalence of mosquitoes in the soggy Tampa Bay area. Dr. Walter Woolf, Tampa veterinarian and managing director of Air Animal Pet Movers, has watched this annual summertime story appear for 55 years with some dismay.
“The news warnings only rarely address the mosquito-bite danger for animals—especially our dogs and horses,” he said.The massive mosquito hatches caused by standing rain water are a significant risk for animals. Pet dogs, an occasional cat, rabbits, foxes, coyotes, raccoons may become infected with Diofilaria immitis from mosquito bites. In dogs, this organism causes heartworm disease which is totally preventable today. Owners who are not giving heartworm medicine to their dogs should see their veterinarians immediately and ask for a heartworm exam and blood test. Then, they should regularly use the heartworm treatment recommended.
“Pet owners who do not prevent heartworm often excuse their behavior saying, ‘my pet never goes outside.’ That’s pretty hard to believe here in Florida,” said Woolf. “What they really mean is their dog does not live outdoors. Any animal can be bitten by an infected mosquito at any time.”
The mosquito hatch may also spread Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE), also known as Sleeping Sickness, in horses. This naturally occurring bird virus spills over into the horse population during heavy rains when mosquitoes bite infected birds and then bite horses. EEE is prevented by vaccinating horses every year—similar to the flu vaccination program for people. Many horse owners include yearly vaccinations for EEE in their yearly Equine Wellness programs.
“Whatever the species--human, canine, equine--the mosquito does not discriminate what it bites for its blood meal...the only food of the adult mosquito,” Woolf said.
