Houma, LA – Saying, "We need all the resources we can get to help Louisiana," Senators Mary Landrieu and John Breaux (both D-La.) today asked the U.S. Air Force to send planes into the state to spray for mosquitos. The request comes as part of an all-out effort to combat the deadly West Nile virus. In fact, the two Senators are the first to request such assistance for the state from the Air Force as well as from the federal departments of health and agriculture.

"The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated," said Landrieu, "but we need action, not panic. These are resources that are available and they should be utilized immediately to prevent any further disaster."

"This is a tragic time for Louisiana," said Sen. Breaux. "As this West Nile crisis only deepens, extra reinforcements and additional federal resources to spray for mosquitos and control the outbreak should be made available to Louisiana immediately."

The 910th Air Lift Wing, based in Youngstown Ohio, is equipped with specially modified C-130 planes that are used to spray pesticide over Marine Corps boot camp on Parris Island, South Carolina. The 910th began in World War II, when legions of American GI's fell victim to malaria and dengue fever, diseases spread by mosquitos. According to the Air Force, three planes and four crews could be sent to the state as soon as Tuesday. Getting final sign off from the service, however, may take longer.

A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Landrieu was aware of the Air Force's abatement capabilities and requested that they be utilized to provide relief. "Aerial spraying enables large areas of land to be treated quickly, accurately and cheaply," said Senator Landrieu. "These planes are uniquely qualified to assist our state in this emergency. The 910th has been used to help curb the threats of insects, such as mosquitos and locusts, in American communities and U.S. agriculture. The Air Force Reserve can do this – they have the resources and are standing by. In Louisiana, we need this help and we need it now."

The two Senators have also written the federal health, emergency management and agriculture agencies to stress the importance of a coordinated federal effort and to thank them for the support they have shown for Louisiana thus far. (more)The Senators also asked the agencies to continue supporting Louisiana in the following ways:

• Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Senators wrote Tommy Thompson, Secretary of HHS and invited him to witness first-hand both the progress the state has made in dealing with the West Nile virus and the need for more resources to continue fighting it. The Senators also appealed to the Secretary for help in preventing future outbreaks, saying "Louisiana is in a constant battle with mosquitos, an important component in controlling a disease of this kind."

• Department of Agriculture. – The Senators wrote Anne Veneman, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, to focus on an aspect of West Nile that has not yet been fully addressed– the immediate relief of affected livestock and publically owned horses. The Senators also invited the Secretary to visit the state and view the effects of the disease on Louisiana's agricultural community. Citing the destruction and economic impact of the disease on the agricultural community, the Senators wrote: " . . . Louisiana . . . is in great need for continued assistance to combat the most important way the disease is spread to both humans and horses. We have been in contact with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service requesting federal assistance for the diagnostic laboratory at Louisiana State University, for vaccine to be used to protect publically owned service horses in the state, and for assistance in mosquito abatement programs in rural agricultural areas."

• Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) – Earlier this month the Senators asked FEMA for additional funding to help fight the outbreak. The request is under consideration.

• Breaux-Landrieu Mosquito Abatement Legislation – When the Senate reconvenes next month, the Senators plan on introducing a mosquito abatement bill very similar to the legislation that was introduced by Congressman Chris John in the House. That bill would establish a matching grant program to assist parishes in creating or maintaining a mosquito control program.