Chatham Co. addresses concerns regarding mosquito spraying and cancer in dogs

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Chatham County is addressing concerns about a possible link between mosquito control spray operations and cancer in dogs.

In a release, Chatham County says that only products registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are used during spray operations. These products are only approved if they do not pose an adverse risk to humans, wildlife, or the environment. They are also applied in low volumes such as a few ounces or less per acre.

At the beginning of September, mosquito treatment missions was conducted for Wilmington Island, Tybee Island, Whitemarsh Island, Talahi Island, Oatland Island areas of Midtown, Downtown Savannah, Thunderbolt, and Hutchinson Island.

Chatham County says these spray operations are used to protect to residents from mosquito-borne diseases like Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus.

The county says they have made inquires with veterinarians in the area and have found no evidence of an increase in cases of a common cancer called hemangiosarcoma.

Hemangiosarcoma tends to occur more frequently in certain breeds, including German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers. It is often seen in dogs from eight to 11 years old. It is believed to have a strong genetic component.

HSA is a tumor of blood vessels, and its development is often difficult to observe. Early signs are very non-specific and include lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, and weight loss. These are often seen with other diseases in older dogs. Clinical signs can be slow to develop until the tumor(s) become large enough to be seen or be identified by a veterinarian. Often the tumor can rupture, causing acute bleeding and collapse.

Chatham County Public Information Office

Chatham County says due to the its slow developing nature, dogs should be examined at least once a year by a veterinarian.

But residents of Wilmington Island are mourning the loss of five different families’ dogs.

They believe the reason behind it is the chemical Trumpet they use in the Chatham County Mosquito spray.

“So 25 total, not everyone has pets, to have, there’s another two Weimaraner who have also died of Hemangiosarcoma on the street, for a total of five dogs, that’s a crazy ratio, for the fact that not every house has animals,” said event organizer, Leora Smith.

“So all the studies we have are really early and really are loosely linked at best,” said Veterinary Oncologist, Brittany Feldhaeusser.

When speaking with a Veterinary Oncologist to find out if there is a correlation, she said all findings so far are very weak.

Chatham County clarified they only use a small amount of products when trying to control the Mosquito population and the last spray on Wilmington Island was nearly a month ago.