July 25, 2007

The Oswego County Health Department will conduct an aerial spray of the Toad Harbor Swamp on the north shore of Oneida Lake from 7 to 9 p.m. this evening, July 25.

The area to be sprayed includes about 10,000 acres in the Toad Harbor and Big Bay swamps north of Oneida Lake. Spraying will not extend beyond U.S. Route 11 in Central Square to the west, NYS Route 49 to the north, the village of Constantia to the east, and the shoreline of Oneida Lake to the south. Spraying will not take place over the waters of Oneida Lake.

Kathleen Smith, Public Health Director of the Oswego County Health Department, said that eight pools of mosquitoes in this area have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare but serious virus that is spread by infected mosquitoes, since late June. The Oswego County Health Department has received permission to conduct aerial spraying from the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

“The pesticide permethrin will be applied, in a very diluted form, to help reduce the spread of EEE,” said Smith. “The county has hired Duflo Spray-Chemical Inc. from Lowville to conduct the aerial spraying. The spraying is not expected to cause adverse health effects to people or pets. The procedure is inspected by the DEC and the pesticide is strictly applied following state and federal guidelines.”

Residents in the area should stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed for one hour after the spraying. Residents are also advised to:

• Keep pets indoors.
  
  
• Close the vents on window air conditioners so that outside air doesn’t enter the home for one hour.
  
  
• Remove outdoor toys, outdoor furniture, and clothing from the clothesline. Items left outdoors should be washed thoroughly with soap and water before using.
  
  
• If you are driving through an area while spraying takes place, close your car windows and vents.
  
  
• Cover gardens, or rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking or eating.

Smith said people should limit their outdoor activities around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, shoes and socks when outdoors, and eliminate standing water around the home. An insect repellent containing DEET may be applied over clothing according to the label instructions.

For more information, call the Oswego County Health Department at 349-3564 or 1-800-596-3200, ext. 3564, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. After 4 p.m., call 341-0086.