Chatham County Provides Update on Mosquito Spraying and Veterinary Findings
For Immediate Release
Chatham County, GA (Oct. 1, 2025) - Over the past week, Chatham County has received press and public inquiries about a possible link between mosquito control spray operations and the development of cancer in dogs.
Chatham County Mosquito Control spray operations are used to protect Chatham County residents from deadly mosquito-borne diseases like Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
In addition to eliminating breeding habitats, a variety of different products may be used to control mosquitoes, including biological and chemical products that control mosquito larvae or adults. Only products registered by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the control of mosquitoes are used. These products are applied at extremely low volumes, typically a few ounces or less per acre, by approved aircraft or ground sprayers.
The products used to control mosquitoes have met rigorous EPA requirements. The products are only approved for use if they are proven with reasonable certainty that the sprays do not pose an adverse risk to humans, wildlife, or the environment
A helicopter adult mosquito treatment mission was conducted for Wilmington Island, Tybee Island, Whitemarsh Island, Talahi Island, and Oatland Island on September 2nd. Adult mosquito treatment operations on September 1st included areas of Midtown and Downtown Savannah, Thunderbolt, and Hutchinson Island.
After making inquiries with several local veterinarians, there has been no evidence of an increase in cases of hemangiosarcoma in Chatham County.
Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer seen in dogs. This disease tends to occur more frequently in certain breeds, including German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers. It is typically seen in middle aged dogs from 8-11 years old. Because of this, 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.
Due to its typically slow developing nature, it is imperative to have dogs examined at least once a year by your veterinarian.
While yearly checkups may not always detect tumors early, they offer the best chance to identify problems before they become emergencies.
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Contact
Will Peebles
Chatham County Public Information Office
Cell: 912-659-2852
Email: wipeebles@chathamcounty.org
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