The disease occurs naturally in wild birds and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Occasionally, mosquitoes will bite hosts such as horses and people and cause the disease. The months of August, September, and October are peak months for transmission of this disease. While horses can not give the disease to people, illness in domestic animals can alert us to the presence of disease carrying mosquitoes, which should prompt residents to take precautions where mosquitoes are concerned. Residents are urged to take the following precautions to avoid exposure to bites by mosquitoes and prevent their propagation in neighborhoods.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water.
Empty all water from cans, jars, buckets, drums, plastic wading pools and other unused containers or turn them over when not in use. Recycle or dispose of unused tires properly to prevent water from collecting in them. Clean clogged roof gutters and repair leaky pipes and outside faucets so that water does not collect in these areas. Change the water in bird baths and pet watering dishes frequently. Residents should be particularly careful to reduce their exposure to mosquito bites.