In the medical field, mosquitoes are perhaps the greatest scourge of any insect pest. In much of the world, mosquitoes are the number-one public health menace, it being estimated that they transmit disease to more than 69 million people every year. They are a common pest in virtually every corner of the world, since they have evolved to adapt to virtually any climate and condition.

But there’s one piece of good news: AIDS is among the diseases they do not transmit. HIV virus is specific to human bodily fluids; it requires blood, sexual fluids, or breast milk to live. That’s one disease off the list, but a small comfort when the mosquito is able to give you an astounding array of other diseases, infections, and parasites.

The mosquito-borne diseases are mostly of the zoonotic variety. “Zoonotic” means a disease can be transmitted across multiple species, as opposed to being restricted to one species. Mosquitoes stand alongside fleas, ticks, lice, and other blood-sucking parasites as nature’s handiest methods of porting diseases from one creature to the next. It could even be argued that if there were no blood-sucking vermin, there would be no such thing as a zooanotic disease!

The one getting the most attention currently in the United States is the West Nile virus. Almost anything with warm blood seems to be able to play host to a West Nile virus. It’s preferred hosts are birds, but it is transmittable to humans, horses, dogs, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels, and rabbits, and we’re probably going to discover more before the story’s over. And of course, the main carriers of West Nile are mosquitoes. West Nile Virus, like HIV, has no known human vaccine at this time. It was first discovered in Uganda in 1937, and first appeared in North America in the year 1999. An interesting fact is that crows are particularly susceptible to it, and so the sudden deaths of many crows in an area is a sign that there could be a local West Nile outbreak. Thus, crows serve as a kind of “canary in a coal mine” warning of a West Nile outbreak.

The list of other diseases that you can catch from a mosquito bite seems to go on forever. Take a deep breath and get ready to say: yellow fever, dengue fever, epidemic polyarthritis, Rift Valley fever, Ross River Fever, and don’t forget to mention malaria. Malaria, a historically dangerous menace to the human population, has always been linked to mosquitoes. One historic epidemic in particular was the Panama Canal project, which had trouble with a malaria outbreak. This incident alone contributed to the 27,000 deaths associated with that project.

Now here’s one fact that should be on the final exam: What is the link between mosquitoes and elephantiasis? Lymphatic Filariasis, the parasite, is transmitted by mosquito bite as well. This particular infection is limited to tropical regions, and causes symptoms reminiscent of the famous “Elephant Man”, although the disease actually affecting the Elephant Man was something different.

The dramatic threat posed by mosquitoes to humans has led to all varieties of drastic measures to ward them off. The things that work are mosquito netting, repellents containing the chemical DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), clothing treated with Permethrin repellents, and citronella candles and torches. Now that we’ve taken care of what works, the following is a list of urban legends for repelling mosquitoes which most definitely do not work. If you catch a patient relying on one of these methods, inform them that it’s been de-bunked.

ULTRASONIC DEVICES: They do not work, not only for mosquitoes, but for repelling anything at all. There is not a single shred of scientific evidence anywhere to show that any living creature on Earth consistently avoids the source of an ultrasonic noise. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently conducted a series of tests spanning two years trying many types of ultrasound devices which are purported to repel mosquitoes. Their testing grounds were the mosquito-ridden area around Chesapeake Bay. Their findings were that not one of the devices had any effect on mosquitoes at all. Various studies have been done in universities which produced the same results. Both the EPA and the U.S. Postal Service have begun prosecuting manufacturers of ultrasonic repelling devices because they are making unsupported claims for their products.

VITAMIN B: Even though vitamin B, particularly B6, has been shown to be effective against other kinds of blood-sucking vermin like fleas, it doesn’t work against mosquitoes. Vitamin B works to protect your pet against fleas because it makes the dog’s blood and skin taste bad to the fleas. Mosquitoes aren’t fazed in the least, even if you douse yourself in a barrel of brewer’s yeast.

GARLIC: Why is it that every time you go to look up ways to repel something, garlic always pops up? Why did it have to be the garlic clove at the center of so many legends? Why not celery or oranges or corn syrup? But anyway, garlic doesn’t repel mosquitoes either. It is a tasty seasoning, however.

BATS: While bats are marvelous, misunderstood, and endangered species and building a bat house is something you shouldn’t discourage, bats, sadly, do not make an effective mosquito-killer. Bats do help farmers by gobbling up a wide range of other destructive insect pests, but mosquitoes constitute less than one percent of a bat’s diet. This is because a mosquito simply isn’t big enough to satisfy a bat-sized appetite.

INCENSE: Now this is just plain silly. Incense, at least the stick kind which you can buy at the store, attracts mosquitoes rather than repels them. This myth arises from the confusion with citronella candles and torches, which do repel mosquitoes.

BUG ZAPPERS: Oh, no, I hear you cry, those electric purple bug zappers really do kill mosquitoes, I’ve seen them! Yes, along with completely innocent and even beneficial species such as moths, bees, ladybugs, and dragonflies, and it’s the dragonflies which, by the way, really are the greatest natural predators of mosquitoes! If a bug zapper gets a mosquito, it was pure luck that the mosquito just happened to blunder into it. You would need about a hundred of them around you to keep from being bitten.

Good luck in fighting them. Remember that eradicating the mosquito menace is difficult because they were here at least 165 millions years before we were!

Josh Stone
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-impact-of-mosquitoes-on-world-health-136895.html

Adopting exotic pets isn’t as easy as taking home a puppy or a kitten. Exotic pets tend to have different needs both physically and legally. If you’re looking to adopt an exotic pet in your home, then here are some tips to help you avoid the snags most owners run into.

1. Legal. Some pets are illegal to keep in some states. Monkeys, tigers, certain birds, and others may be outlawed in certain areas. And, while some of these animals may be allowed in a household, they could be under strict provisions.

It would be best if you consulted with your local government to find out whether the animal you’re trying to adopt is legally allowed in your state. If so, find out about all the paperwork you will need for the pet, and find out about the provisions regarding its care.

Make sure you follow all the paperwork to a tee. This way you can prevent unnecessary run-ins with the local government -not to mention the ire of your neighborhood.

2. Physical needs of your animals. Exotic animals have exotic needs. You will need to keep this in mind when you adopt an animal. Study the background of the pet you’re trying to adopt before consummating the adoption. Dogs, cats and other household pets are all acclimated to urban living. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for most exotic animals.

You’ll at least have to give them an alternative to their natural habitat. This could cost a lot of money make sure you are willing to commit to this amount of effort and money. Also, you have to consider their diet – alligators, tigers, and other natural predators are hard to keep in captivity. You will have to make sure they get their dietary needs, and their space needs before considering adopting them.

3. The place of purchase. If you browse the Internet you’ll be surprised at the number of online pet shops now available. You will want to do a background check on fees shops before purchasing from them. This is because it would be best to adopt your exotic pet from reputable sources.

4. Health. You’ll also want subject your exotic pet to a physical exam to find out whether it is in good shape. Adopting a sick animal may exacerbate its condition. You really don’t want to cause these animals more harm than needed. Also, make sure that these animals don’t possess any life-threatening and communicable disease. Exotic animals can be carriers of different viruses, and bacteria. So make sure the veterinarian gives it a good bill of health.

Joshua Simms
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-adopt-exotiv-pets-749286.html

Pet first aid kits are an essential part of the survival of pets during emergencies. The importance of preparing for calamities, not only for yourself and family, but also for your pets has been underscored after a lot of dead pets were found in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which hit several areas in the southern parts of the United States. A lot of dogs, cats and even other exotic animals were left in the streets on their own as humans evacuated because of the said hurricane. It was a sad story but truly, you and your animal will have a better chance of surviving big disasters and emergencies only if you plan ahead.

Assembling your pet first aid kit is one of the first things you should do to help ensure the survival and happiness of your pet during emergency situations. Remember that pets are more sensitive than humans when it comes to feeling catastrophes or natural disasters, so there is a big possibility that they will react violently or restlessly before, during and even after the calamity. Because of this, you need to include pet safety products such as lighted collars, possible motion activated dog tags, and even pet carriers. Of course, you also need to provide emergency survival pet food and water for your precious pooches, cats, or birds. It is important that you check the food and water supply of your pets regularly to ensure that they are good when disaster strikes. We would recommend that you keep at least a three day supply of emergency food and water for your pet, just like is recommended for your emergency kit.

Apart from food and water, your pet first aid kits should also contain blankets, chew sticks, and even playthings to help them cope during emergency situations. If you will be staying in evacuation centers, it is a good idea to bring along poop bags and/or WAG bags to maintain the sanitation of the place. In case your evacuation place does not allow animals inside for sanitary reasons, you need to make a back-up plan about where your animal can stay. An alternative shelter and/or pet carrier for your pet is essential for its survival, so do not forget about it.

A good pet first aid kit and a three day supply of food and water are really important if you treat your pet as a member of your family. You will be glad you prepared in advance.

Eric Holm
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/pet-first-aid-kits-682273.html

Pet Supermarket is the online shopping place for those who really love their pets and want them to have the best pet products at a reasonable price. Pet Supermarket carries pet supplies for dogs, cats, fish, small pets and birds. They have the lowest price guaranteed and offer free delivery.

In the dog line, Pet Supermarket carries name brand food such as Eukanuba, Arden Grange, Royal Canin and Hills. They offer accessories and necessary health care products for your dog at Pet Supermarket such as Drontal Allwormer, Front Line Flea Control, Denti Bones Breath Freshening treats, and Bob Martin Denta Care Chews among many other brand name pet supplies. For skin and coat they have Johnson’s Veterinary Anti-Itch Spray and other fine products for the comfort of your best friend. They have doggie toys from Boredom Breakers to Nylabone, and offer dog training aids such as Long Line and Multivet Anti-bark collars.

For that precious puppy in your life, Pet Supermarket in association with Eukanuba sponsors a Pet Supermarket Puppy Cub where you can save as much as 50% on your pupy supplies.

If your special pal is a fuzzy feline, Pet Supermarket has an extensive line of cat food and cat accessories. They offer the same brand names as in the  dog food section plus crates and carriers for your cat’s travelling comfort and your convenience. Pet Supermarket has feline bedding, toys, grooming items, cat litter and health care products. To keep your outside property smelling nice Pet Supermarket offers Simple Solution Yard Odour Away and a unique Pee Post to protect your pet’s territory. Other pet supplies include books on cat care.

Pet Supermarket Kitten Club in association with Eukanuba gives you a chance to save money on necessary cat supplies for your feline friend.

If fish is your fancy Pet Supermarket has lowest price guaranteed savings and special offers on everything you need to outfit your aquarium from lights, food, pest control, pumps, to how to books. If your pet plans include an attractive outdoor water pond in your garden, Pet Supermarket offers a complete TetraPond Wildlife Pond Starter Kit at a very affordable price.

Maybe bunny rabbits, hamsters and other little furry creatures are part of your lifestyle. Pet Supermarket hasn’t forgotten about them. They handle small animal carriers, toys, bedding, harnesses, feeders, litter and grooming items as well as feed and health care products all at discount prices.

Your flights of fantasy might run to birds. Pet Supermarket is the first and last place to stop and shop for your feathered friends. They handle bird pet supplies like feed, carriers, bird toys, cleaning products and anything else to make your pet’s and your life comfortable.

Shopping at Pet Supermarket is beneficial in many ways. They have the lowest prices, guaranteed, and special offers. They offer Pet Insurance, an informative newsletter, and free delivery.

Pet Supermarket is ‘run by pet lovers, for pet lovers’. They understand your concerns and are there to fill all your pet supplies requirements.

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http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/discount-pet-supplies-from-pet-supermarket-639014.html