(GOSHEN) — Two northern Indiana counties will conduct aerial spraying to combat a rare mosquito-borne virus that’s been found in several local horses.
Elkhart and LaGrange counties’ commissioners authorized the spraying Monday in separate meetings. The decisions by the adjoining counties comes after eight horses in Elkhart County and two in LaGrange County tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis.
The Goshen News reports human cases of the virus in adjacent Michigan counties factored in the Indiana counties’ decisions to begin spraying.
The virus has been confirmed in humans or animals in at least 13 Michigan counties. Three people have died .
No Indiana residents have been diagnosed with the virus, which can cause brain infections.
Spraying is scheduled to begin Wednesday in Elkhart County, weather permitting. LaGrange County officials haven’t finalized their plans.
Information from: The Goshen News, http://www.goshennews.com
