Post by L Roebuck on Apr 20, 2007 7:53:01 GMT -5
Bats provide clues in war on West Nile
Mosquitoes in droppings guide spraying crews
Finally, a use for bat guano.
The answer to preventing cases of West Nile virus could come from the droppings of the more than 100 million Mexican free-tailed bats in Texas.
Mosquitoes, which can transfer the virus to humans, are a main source of a bat's diet.
Earlier this year Frio Nature Conservancy, Inc., based in Aransas Pass, began taking samples of bat droppings and sending them to a Canadian lab for DNA testing. The lab checks for the presence of infected mosquitoes.
The nonprofit corporation, established in 2004, is dedicated to preventing the onset of outbreaks with influenza pandemic potential.
The new method uses Doppler radar and other satellite technology to track the bats and would help local governments better pinpoint areas to spray for infected mosquitoes, said Jeremy Johnson, the group's computer technician.
"We can see where they're feeding the most. It's faster and more effective than setting traps for the mosquitoes," Johnson said.
One of the largest bat colonies in the state is at Bracken Cave, north of San Antonio, where an estimated 20 million bats live.
Full Article
Mosquitoes in droppings guide spraying crews
Finally, a use for bat guano.
The answer to preventing cases of West Nile virus could come from the droppings of the more than 100 million Mexican free-tailed bats in Texas.
Mosquitoes, which can transfer the virus to humans, are a main source of a bat's diet.
Earlier this year Frio Nature Conservancy, Inc., based in Aransas Pass, began taking samples of bat droppings and sending them to a Canadian lab for DNA testing. The lab checks for the presence of infected mosquitoes.
The nonprofit corporation, established in 2004, is dedicated to preventing the onset of outbreaks with influenza pandemic potential.
The new method uses Doppler radar and other satellite technology to track the bats and would help local governments better pinpoint areas to spray for infected mosquitoes, said Jeremy Johnson, the group's computer technician.
"We can see where they're feeding the most. It's faster and more effective than setting traps for the mosquitoes," Johnson said.
One of the largest bat colonies in the state is at Bracken Cave, north of San Antonio, where an estimated 20 million bats live.
Full Article
