Elkhart County officials declared a disaster emergency

Tuesday due to the outbreak of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

County Commission President Mike Yoder signed the declaration...which admonishes residents to take precautions against mosquitoes. That includes checking their property for breeding sites, emptying containers holding water and keeping overgrown vegetation mowed.

Eight horses have tested positive for EEE in the county. The horses are concentrated in an area south of Bristol and west of Middlebury – an area often
referred to as the Fruit Hills.

Numerous freshwater, hardwood swamp, and bog areas near Boot Lake are targeted for spraying as the positive mosquito pool is in that area. County officials are targeting Wednesday at dusk for the application. Thursday is the backup application date if weather prevents the Wednesday application.

Residents should take actions to protect ornamental fish ponds and bee hives. Organic farms registered on Field Watch will not be sprayed. If an organic farm operation is not registered with Field Watch, contact Jeff Burbrink at Purdue
University Extension, Goshen, 574-533-0554, by Tuesday afternoon.