AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Senate has passed a bill allowing local governments to fight the spread of West Nile virus by treating water sources at uninhabited homes for mosquitoes.
West Nile virus is spread to humans from the bites of infected mosquitoes and Texas had a record number of cases in 2012.
Local governments say stagnant pools or water features create mosquito breeding grounds. The bill by Sen. John Carona, a Dallas Republican, allows officials to treat those water sources at abandoned or uninhabited foreclosed homes.
The treating agency would have to post a notice of its actions on the front door.
The bill now goes to the House for consideration.
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