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Dallas, Park Cities Target Areas For West Nile Prevention

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Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings says he’ll meet with other officials early this week to discuss aerial spraying for mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus.

The mayors of Dallas, Highland Park and University Park all say they agree with recommendations for aerial spraying to combat mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins has requested five state planes to treat the most affected areas of those cities and he’s urging the cities to approve the spraying.

As of Friday nine North Texans had died and at least 181 have been sickened by the virus.

Dallas County Health & Human Services West Nile Page Texas Dept. Of State Health Services West Nile Summary USGS Disease Map Of Human Cases Of West Nile In Texas CDC West Nile Data Page With Maps & Prevention Tips

As cities decide how to proceed Dallas is mounting a targeted, ground spraying program today through Wednesday. Each night truck mounted sprayers will treat areas will the greatest number of West Nile cases. Signs will be posted in advance of the spraying recommending residents and pets avoid the spray.

University Park, Highland Park and portions of North Dallas will see two consecutive nights of ground fogging for mosquitoes beginning Monday evening. Steve Mace, spokesperson for University Park, says the solution is the same substance area mayors want to spray from planes.

Texas’ health commissioner says aerial spraying has proven safe and effective, but a group that helped Dallas develop a mosquito abatement policy is raising concerns.

Jennifer Land with Concerned Citizens for Safer Mosquito Control claims spraying may affect human health and can harm bees, beneficial insects and aquatic life. Land says her group is suggesting alternatives for treating mosquitoes.

Information on areas scheduled for spraying:

Dallas

Park Cities

Richardson

Update on Mosquito Abatement Efforts 2012

Former KERA staffer Shelley Kofler was news director, managing editor and senior reporter. She is an award-winning reporter and television producer who previously served as the Austin bureau chief and legislative reporter for North Texas ABC affiliate WFAA-TV.