Oklahoma City Will Not Spray for Mosquitoes

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma City officials say they have no plans to begin spraying in an effort to combat mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile Virus.

State health officials have issued a public warning for the virus and say it has claimed three lives in the state this year and could become the worst year ever for the virus.

Association of Central Oklahoma Governments spokesman Jerry Church says that local anti-mosquito programs are effective. The programs combining public awareness, insect surveillance and the use of a larvacide in mosquito breeding grounds — such as storm drains.

He said a large pesticide spraying program — such as one started in Dallas — is unnecessary.