PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – New York York’s Senator Chuck Schumer is calling on the federal government to do more to combat the spread of eastern equine encephalitis in New York.
Data from the Clinton County Health Department shows just one horse in Mooers tested positive for triple-e in late August. Health officials also say there is another confirmed case in a horse in Washington County and three in St. Lawrence County.
Schumer says he wants federal agencies to increase coordination with New York to “track and zap” mosquitos. He also says he is pushing to increase funding for the CDC’s Vector Borne Disease Program.
“I am asking actually for a $2 million increase in the Vector Disease Program and then CDC can provide assistance to New York state. Whether it is tracking or the EPA providing help getting rid of the pools, they are already helping other states in the Northeast who have had it even worse than us. But now that it is getting so bad here, I am asking them to add New York to the list,” Schumer said.
Plattsburgh’s mayor says they will not cancel upcoming events, like next week’s Battle of Plattsburgh, but will continue to monitor the situation.
Clinton County health officials say mosquito dunks are available for free at the following locations and times:
- Clinton County Health Department, 133 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation District, 6064 Route 22, Suite 1, Plattsburgh, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.