PREVENT HEARTWORM MOSQUITOES

Nel Liquorman TheDogPlace.org Health Editor - August 2009

Wolf and coyote deaths reported increase due to heartworm disease. Protect your dogs by eradicating ATM heartworm mosquitoes on your property.

Asian Tiger Mosquitoes (ATM), now in 26 states, arrived in used tires from Asia in 1980. They carry heartworm and are responsible for the upsurge of cases. Heartworm has always been around, but it has not caused wild animals, such as wolves and coyotes to die in such large numbers. Despite heartworm prevention medications, the risk to pets has increased exponentially.

The heartworm eggs or larvae are also found in places where water collects such as Asian plants, especially bamboo, and in the potting soil itself.

Cemeteries are the biggest breeding grounds for heartworm larvae due to the high use of vases with small amounts of water high in organic content. Then, when florists recycle vases they often transport the Asian Tiger Mosquitoes eggs or larvae to other cemeteries, thus spreading heartworm to new areas.

Ideally we can:

Insist that our government not allow used tire imports unless they are shredded to prevent spread of heartworm.

Insist that imported plants and soils be checked for heartworm eggs and larvae contamination.

Ask florists and cemetery caretakers to empty standing water and clear all vases of mosquito eggs and larvae.

What we ourselves must do:

Empty all outside containers of standing water to prevent breeding of heartworm carrying mosquitoes.

Clean gutters so rainwater flows freely and no water collects to provide a breeding ground for heartworm.

Flush out outdoor plants with axils, such as bromeliads, every few days.

Keep bird baths clean and freshly filled. They are a common source of heartworm-carrying mosquitoes on your property.

Stop faucets or hoses from dripping for the same reason. It only takes one drop of water to hatch dozens of mosquitoes which will stay close to your home but which may feed on your neighbor’s heartworm infected dog.

Remove moisture-harboring vegetation from ditches.

Drain water from boats, and make sure none gathers in creases and folds of covers. Again, mosquitoes may hatch, bite the dog with heartworm in the boat next to yours and then feed on your dog when you return to the boat.

Pick up dumped items such as foam cups, soda can, or food wrappers from empty properties, lots, or forests. Remember, the ATM (Asian Tiger Mosquitos) can lay eggs in tiny amounts of water collected in a crumpled wrapper.

Mosquito pathogens and larvicides can be used in ponds and ditches. According to the makers, it does not harm fish, aquatic organisms, plants, or animals. (BTI, or bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis, is a bacterial compound in liquid, granular, and briquette forms. Bactimos, Teknar, and Vectabac are trade names.)

I would however, prevent your dog from drinking from these sources as they are contaminated with other toxins and bacteria and of course, the dog will disturb resting mosquitoes and be bitten.

We are a nation of 60 million pet owners. Let’s get them all to pitch in, along with friends and neighbors. Wipe out ATM and win the fight against heartworm.

Related Mosquito Articles:

Protection from West Nile Virus/Heartworm - Dogs test positive.

http://www.thedogplace.org/PARASITES/mosquitoes-heartworm.asp #0908.1112