then transmit the heartworm larvae ….

then transmit the heartworm larvae into another animal once it feeds again.

“Heartworms are a preventable but serious and potentially fatal parasite,” stated Monica Schmidt, assistant director of OC Animal Care. “As such, annual testing and prevention is key, and OC Animal Care recommends pet owners speak to their veterinarians about heartworm.” Heartworm preventative medication is a prescribed medication.

The Orange County Mosquito District staff will continue to conduct surveillance and test for diseases in mosquitoes. Residents can do their part by reducing mosquito breeding sources around their properties. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water and develop through larval and pupal stages in the water before emerging as adults. The Aedes mosquito, which is a common backyard breeder, is a prominent vector of dog heartworm.

Checking for standing water and dumping it out at least once a week will interrupt the mosquito’s life cycle and prevent them from emerging as adults. OCMVCD provides a comprehensive backyard checklist for residents to use when looking for stagnant water sources. The checklist can be found at: https://bit.ly/MosquitoChecklist.

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility. Eliminating mosquito breeding sources and taking preventive methods to protect your dogs is critical to preventing the spread of dog heartworm.

To prevent mosquito bites, take action and follow these tips:

• Dump and drain containers filled with water at least once a week

• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly

• Dump water from potted plant saucers