West Nile Virus Still Poses Threat: Be Prepared To Protect Pets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Anne Robertson
(602) 664-1218
arobertson@mail.farnam.com
PHOENIX, Ariz.- (May 5, 2004) The summer season and its rising temperatures will soon arrive - bringing outdoor fun and the uninvited mosquitoes that love to ruin it.
The Center for Disease Control reports that West Nile Virus, the mosquito-borne illness that made headlines two years ago as it swept across the country infecting humans, pets and horses, remains a threat today as well.
But there are steps pet owners can take to help protect their dogs and cats from West Nile and other diseases carried by mosquitoes, including heartworm. Mosquitoes can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some dogs.
When dealing with West Nile virus, prevention is your best bet. Fighting mosquito bites reduces the risk of disease in pets and people as well. And although West Nile is far more dangerous to horses than pets or people, it is wise to take measures that guard against mosquito infestation before it happens.
Farnam Pet Products* offers a variety of pest control products that can help keep mosquitoes away from your pets.
Mosquito Halt® for Dogs is formulated specifically for dogs and for use on non-food/non-feed surfaces to repel mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. It is easy to use: lightly spray 8 to 10 inches from dog to the back, underside, legs, back of neck, base of tail, and inside and outside ears.
For control of mosquitoes within your living environment, use Mosquito Halt® on such surfaces such as pet bedding where insects rest.
Bio Spot® Flea & Tick Mist with Nylar® for Dogs, and Bio Spot® Flea & Tick Mist for Cats kills fleas and ticks along with other pests including mosquitoes. Bio Spot® Flea & Tick Control for Dogs kills fleas and also kills and repels mosquitoes.
According to the FDA, mosquitoes become infected with West Nile Virus when they feed on infected birds, the original hosts of the disease. After an incubation period of between five and 15 days, infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans and animals. So far, there has been no documented evidence of person-to-person or animal-to-person transmission of the virus.
Pet owners should contact their veterinarians if the pet shows signs of WNV infection, such as fever, depression, lack of coordination, muscle weakness or spasms, or seizures and paralysis, also according to the FDA.
In addition to using pest control products for pets, owners should be aware of any sources of stagnant water around their property, in such places as buckets, rain spots, clogged gutters, birdbaths and more. Mosquitoes enjoy resting on weed and other vegetation, so owners can take precautions by cutting down weeds near their homes' foundations and keeping the lawn regularly mowed. There are insecticides available that can be applied to trees, shrubs and walls.
For further protection, pet owners should keep their animals indoors at dawn and dusk, peak activity times for mosquitoes, according to the FDA. Other helpful tips include installing bug tight windows and door screens, even on stables, and replacing outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights.
Become aware of the many Mosquito Control Programs. Check with local health authorities to see if there is an organized mosquito control program in your area. For more detailed information, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center sites, at www.avma.org and www.apcc.aspca.org, or visit The American Mosquito Control Association at www.mosquito.org.
For information about Farnam, in the U.S. call toll free at (800) 234-2269, direct at (602) 285-1660 or go to www.farnam.com on the Internet. Founded in 1946, Farnam Companies, Inc., is a privately held company and a leader in the animal health products industry.
Farnam - We Make Life Better for Animals and Their People SM
-30-
Nylar® is a registered trademark of McLaughlin Gormley King Co.
*Farnam Pet Products reminds consumers to read product labels carefully and follow directions exactly, and never use products intended only for dogs on cats.
CONTACT: Anne Robertson
(602) 664-1218
arobertson@mail.farnam.com
PHOENIX, Ariz.- (May 5, 2004) The summer season and its rising temperatures will soon arrive - bringing outdoor fun and the uninvited mosquitoes that love to ruin it.
The Center for Disease Control reports that West Nile Virus, the mosquito-borne illness that made headlines two years ago as it swept across the country infecting humans, pets and horses, remains a threat today as well.
But there are steps pet owners can take to help protect their dogs and cats from West Nile and other diseases carried by mosquitoes, including heartworm. Mosquitoes can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some dogs.
When dealing with West Nile virus, prevention is your best bet. Fighting mosquito bites reduces the risk of disease in pets and people as well. And although West Nile is far more dangerous to horses than pets or people, it is wise to take measures that guard against mosquito infestation before it happens.
Farnam Pet Products* offers a variety of pest control products that can help keep mosquitoes away from your pets.
Mosquito Halt® for Dogs is formulated specifically for dogs and for use on non-food/non-feed surfaces to repel mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. It is easy to use: lightly spray 8 to 10 inches from dog to the back, underside, legs, back of neck, base of tail, and inside and outside ears.
For control of mosquitoes within your living environment, use Mosquito Halt® on such surfaces such as pet bedding where insects rest.
Bio Spot® Flea & Tick Mist with Nylar® for Dogs, and Bio Spot® Flea & Tick Mist for Cats kills fleas and ticks along with other pests including mosquitoes. Bio Spot® Flea & Tick Control for Dogs kills fleas and also kills and repels mosquitoes.
According to the FDA, mosquitoes become infected with West Nile Virus when they feed on infected birds, the original hosts of the disease. After an incubation period of between five and 15 days, infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans and animals. So far, there has been no documented evidence of person-to-person or animal-to-person transmission of the virus.
Pet owners should contact their veterinarians if the pet shows signs of WNV infection, such as fever, depression, lack of coordination, muscle weakness or spasms, or seizures and paralysis, also according to the FDA.
In addition to using pest control products for pets, owners should be aware of any sources of stagnant water around their property, in such places as buckets, rain spots, clogged gutters, birdbaths and more. Mosquitoes enjoy resting on weed and other vegetation, so owners can take precautions by cutting down weeds near their homes' foundations and keeping the lawn regularly mowed. There are insecticides available that can be applied to trees, shrubs and walls.
For further protection, pet owners should keep their animals indoors at dawn and dusk, peak activity times for mosquitoes, according to the FDA. Other helpful tips include installing bug tight windows and door screens, even on stables, and replacing outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights.
Become aware of the many Mosquito Control Programs. Check with local health authorities to see if there is an organized mosquito control program in your area. For more detailed information, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center sites, at www.avma.org and www.apcc.aspca.org, or visit The American Mosquito Control Association at www.mosquito.org.
For information about Farnam, in the U.S. call toll free at (800) 234-2269, direct at (602) 285-1660 or go to www.farnam.com on the Internet. Founded in 1946, Farnam Companies, Inc., is a privately held company and a leader in the animal health products industry.
Farnam - We Make Life Better for Animals and Their People SM
-30-
Nylar® is a registered trademark of McLaughlin Gormley King Co.
*Farnam Pet Products reminds consumers to read product labels carefully and follow directions exactly, and never use products intended only for dogs on cats.
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