West Nile detected at Stephensville

The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab confirmed on Friday, Nov. 9, one West Nile virus-positive sentinel chicken in lower St. Martin Parish, said Jessie J. Boudreaux, Jr., president of Cajun Control LLC, mosquito abatement contractor for Parish Government. The sample was collected on Monday, Nov. 4.

Cajun Control has scheduled ground spraying of insecticide by truck at Stephensville in the evenings Saturday, Nov. 9, through Wednesday, Nov. 13, weather permitting.

"Residents in these areas will be made aware that there is a heightened potential for encephalitis infection in their neighborhood and that personal protection and yard sanitation is recommended," Boudreaux said. "Reminders to avoid mosquitoes and their peak activity times are encouraged, but if one must be outside, wear insect repellant. Another reminder is to remove any standing water around their home or business."