Phoenix, Ariz. - (Aug. 12, 2002) In a statement released yesterday, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that West Nile Virus is an "emerging, infectious disease epidemic" that could be spread by mosquitoes all the way to the Pacific Coast. West Nile Virus (WNV) is spread through the bite of virus-infected mosquitoes. It's important to protect ourselves and our children, but don't forget about small and large companion animals. We can lessen the risk to our pets and livestock by minimizing their exposure to mosquitoes.

Farnam Companies, Inc., a leader in the over-the-counter animal health industry, recommends using premise control methods and on-animal products to help keep pests away. Farnam's Bio Spot® Flea & Tick Control for Dogs protects dogs against blood feeding mosquitoes for up to four weeks. For horses, Farnam markets several pest control products that repel mosquitoes, such as Bite FreeÔ Biting Fly Repellent, Tri-Tec(tm) 14 Fly Repellent and Endure® Sweat-Resistant Fly Spray.

Mosquitoes are serious disease vectors and an annoyance due to their biting. In addition to WNV, they can carry malaria and other viruses that cause encephalitis, and transmit heartworm to cats and dogs. All mosquitoes must have water in which to complete their life cycle, so breeding sites should be eliminated or treated with environmentally sensitive pesticides to control the mosquito larvae. Only the female mosquito bites to obtain a blood meal. She may live as long as three weeks during the summer or many months over the winter in order to lay her eggs in the following spring.

Minimize Exposure
Aside from on-animal protection, you can reduce exposure by reducing the amount of standing water around your home, yard and garden that provides optimal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

• Remove standing water from buckets, old tires and other areas where mosquitoes may breed.
• Discard cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
• Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths or wading pools. Change the water every three to four days.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs that are not being used. Be aware that mosquitoes may breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.
• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens that have tears or holes.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
• Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
• Use flea, tick and mosquito repellents on pets, in the home and in other areas as needed. Read labels carefully and use only as directed. Information on pest control products is available on the Internet at www.farnam.com.

Signs of infection include fever, weakness, incoordination, muscle spasms and signs of neurological disease, such as a change in temperament or seizures. If you suspect your animal is sick, contact your veterinarian. Farnam's pest control products are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and are available through pet supply stores, catalogs, the Internet and through veterinarians.

For information about mosquitoes, fleas and ticks, and the products available to repel and kill them, contact Farnam Companies in the U.S. by calling toll free at (800) 234-2269 or 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.