Insects

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus or WNV is a disease transmitted by a certain breed of mosquito. The bite of an infected mosquito can spread the virus to humans, birds and horses. West Nile Virus can be fatal although most humans that get bitten do not become ill and horses can be vaccinated.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's role in the fight against the disease is to provide information on equine health and to regulate pesticides that might be used to control mosquito populations.

Some of the information will require a PDF reader to view and print certain documents.

West Nile Virus and Horses - 2 page PDF
Get information on symptoms, vaccinations, reducing your horses' risk of exposure.

Mosquito Control and Pesticides

Controlling the mosquito population is one way to control West Nile. If you choose to use pesticides, there are certain rules, responsibilities and information that you need to know.

Mosquito Pest Control Options for Municipalities
Guidelines for hiring a professional pesticide applicator; using municipal employees to apply pesticides; adult and larva control methods, resources.

Mosquito Control Information for Homeowners
Guidelines for hiring a professional business; recommendations for around the home; resources.

Mosquito Control Requirements for Pesticide Businesses
Licensing and certification requirements, landscape rule, pesticide drift and resources.

West Nile Virus and Human Health

Find information on human symptoms, updates on WNV surveillance, links to local health departments and other useful resources at the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services.

Resources

Wisconsin West Nile Virus Hotline 1-800-433-1610
Information clearinghouse for WNV in Wisconsin.

WNV Disease Information - Department of Health and Family Services Human health information.

Chemical Control of Aquatic Plants and Vegetation - DNR
Permit information to apply pesticides to water for aquatic plant or mosquito control.

American Mosquito Control Association
A scientific/educational, not-for-profit public service association for mosquito control. Phone 732-932-0667 or e-mail amca@mosquito.org.

National Pesticide Information Center
Provides objective, science-based information about pesticides, including mosquito repellents and insecticides, 1-800-858-7378 or e-mail npic@ace.orst.edu.

Pesticides and Mosquito Control - EPA
Information on mosquito control methods, pesticides, repellents, other resources.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Extensive information on WNV including prevention, surveillance, and health.

What's Going on with West Nile Virus? - Cornell University Center for the Environment
A comprehensive, annotated, listing of organizations and government agency web sites with West Nile Virus information including resources for the general public.

For more information on the use of pesticides to control mosquitoes, call 608-224-4500 or e-mail agriculture@datcp.state.wi.us

For more information on West Nile Virus and horses, contact 608-224-4872.