The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is planning to spray today at the Stoneboro Fairgrounds after sampling showed an unusually large number of mosquitoes there carrying West Nile virus.

But organizers of the Great Stoneboro Fair aren't worried about the impact the positive samples will have on the upcoming fair, which begins Wednesday and runs through Labor Day.

"Only time will tell," Ron Carkin, fair board president, said of the impact West Nile virus might have on fairgoers.

He said the Great Stoneboro Fair attracts about 50,000 visitors to the fairgrounds annually, excluding exhibitors and paid attendants. And if the large number of people currently helping at the grounds are any indication, organizers can expect a great fair this year, he said.

Carkin has been in conversation with the DEP and knew they had performed mosquito counts, but said he wasn't aware of the results.

He said spraying the fairgrounds is a good precautionary measure, since humans and certain animals such as horses and birds seem to be the most susceptible to West Nile virus.

Carkin said since the animals involved in the fair are up to date on shots and exams, everything is OK on that end.

"All of the animals here have proper health certificates," he said. "I don't see us having any problems."

Weather permitting, spraying will this afternoon and early evening hours. The Mercer County and DEP West Nile virus staff will direct sprays in wooded areas using backpacks and handheld equipment.

The pesticide has no impact on human health, animals or plants and quickly breaks down in the environment. The concentrations are significantly below household commercial insect control products.

Adult mosquito control is used only in limited situations where larvae controls are unable to prevent adult populations that put the public at risk for West Nile virus transmission. The DEP and county West Nile programs are continuing their mosquito larvae control programs throughout the state.

As for the official opening of the Great Stoneboro Fair, Carkin said "We're ready."

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