Louisiana is facing another threat: mosquitoes are exterminating cows, horses, bulls and many other animal species
They move in swarms made up of thousands of specimens and where they pass they sow death and devastation. After Hurricane Laura, Louisiana is facing another threat: mosquitoes are exterminating cows, horses, bulls and many other animal species.
Rural areas, already devastated by the passage of the hurricane during the month of August, now have to face another plague, just as difficult to manage. Huge swarms of mosquitoes, real gray clouds, attack farm livestock but also wild animals, including deer.
The "fault", if we can define it that way, was the hurricane itself which, due to the abundant rains that spilled over a few days, gave rise to an explosion in the insect population.
Thousands of mosquitoes attack animals as large as bulls, cows and horses by draining their blood and causing the huge creatures to walk in the summer heat in an attempt to chase away the insects until they run out of strength. This is the picture outlined by the veterinarians of the Louisiana State University AgCenter.
Although recent aerial spraying efforts are helping to keep the spread of mosquitoes in check, residents and animals are still battling these suddenly appearing clouds of insects today.
Farmers living in the areas most affected by Hurricane Laura have lost 300 to 400 head of cattle, said Dr. Craig Fontenot, a veterinarian who deals with large animals.
What you see below is an image of a cow completely covered in mosquitoes:
©lsuagcenter/ Dr. Craig Fontenot
Jeremy Hebert, of Louisiana State University, told USA Today that residents along coastal and swampy areas are used to mosquitoes and expect the population to increase after heavy rain but the extent of this outbreak is much greater than anyone. expected:
“I've never experienced anything like it,” Hebert said.
The population also needs to take precautions, such as being outdoors with long-sleeved shirts and pants:
“As soon as you walk outside, your legs turn black from the huge amount of mosquitoes,” Hebert said.
If man can cover himself with clothes, unfortunately animals cannot do it and remain at the mercy of mosquitoes.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time this has happened. The death of livestock from mosquitoes is not a new phenomenon but has also occurred after the passage of Hurricane Lili in 2002 and Hurricane Rita in 2005.
Sources of reference: UsaToday, AgCenter
READ also:
- Hurricane Laura is devastating Texas and Louisiana: 14 victims so far ascertained
- The plane goes through Hurricane Laura, the video shot from the cabin is impressive
- Half a million people fleeing Hurricane Laura, evacuations ordered in Texas and Louisiana
