PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31st 2025
Additional Canyon County Locations Test Positive for West Nile Virus
CANYON COUNTY, West Nile virus continues to be detected in mosquitoes collected in Canyon County, Idaho. “11 positive samples have been collected from 10 separate sites,” said Jim Lunders, Director of Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District, “Surveillance data suggests low levels of virus circulation throughout Canyon County.”
Lunders explained that the Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District routinely sets gravid traps and dry ice baited EVS Traps at over 100 locations throughout Canyon County to monitor for adult mosquito populations and the presence of vector borne diseases. To date, the District has tested over 1850 mosquito pools this season for West Nile virus. This week’s pools bring the total positives to eleven, from ten different locations.
The areas where the mosquitoes were collected have been treated for both larval and adult mosquitoes. “We encourage the public to help us reduce the mosquito population by eliminating larval habitat around your homes,” said Lunders. He offered the following suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus:
- Eliminate or treat all sources of standing water that can be a breeding ground for biting mosquitoes, such as:
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- flooded fields
- birdbaths
- wading & swimming pools not in use
- clogged gutters
- old tires.
- If it holds water for 7 days, it can produce mosquitoes.
- Wear repellents while outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas.
- Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Picaridin or 2-undecanone, making sure to follow the directions on the container.
- Make sure all screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.
- Vaccinate horses for WNv, WEE, and other diseases.
- Use EPA registered residual insect sprays on horses, making sure to follow the directions on the container.
- Have your livestock watering troughs stocked with mosquitofish for free by submitting a service request to CCMAD.
- Notify the District at 208-461-8633 if you have a site that is too large to be eliminated so it can be properly treated.
Additional information on mosquitoes and the diseases they carry can be found at:
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/diseases-conditions/west-nile-virus
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District
https://www.2cmad.org/
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For questions about this please contact, James J. Lunders, District Director Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District (208) 461-8633