Clouds of mosquitoes have killed hundreds of cattle since Hurricane Laura

VILLE PLATTE, La. — Thick clouds of mosquitoes have descended on livestock in at least five parishes killing hundreds of cattle and a handful of horses since the biting insects were pushed from marshes after Hurricane Laura made landfall last month.

Several parishes have started aerial spraying of insecticides to thin the swarms.

The sheer number of mosquitoes is overwhelming. The bites leave horses and cattle with blood loss or the animals become so exhausted from constantly moving to try and avoid the insects.

“They’re vicious little suckers,” said Dr. Craig Fontenot, a large-animal veterinarian in Louisiana.

He estimated up to 400 cattle have died because of the mosquitoes. One rancher lost about 30 deer. Another lost a few horses, he said.

This is not the first time a hurricane has led to deadly mosquito infestations. The phenomenon also occurred after Hurricane Lili in 2002 and Hurricane Rita in 2005. Hurricane Laura made landfall Aug. 27.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group