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Gov. Bill Haslam says chief deputy Claude Ramsey is retiring at the end of August to spend more time with his family in Chattanooga.More >> Gov. Bill Haslam says chief deputy Claude Ramsey is retiring at the end of August to spend more time with his family in Chattanooga.More >> Two Knox County parents are now facing charges in the death of their 6-month-old daughter.More >> Two Knox County parents are now facing charges in the death of their 6-month-old daughter.More >> On the outside, The Cheesecake Factory at West Town Mall looks all ready to go, but the sign outside says they are closed for training.More >> On the outside, The Cheesecake Factory at West Town Mall looks all ready to go, but the sign outside says they are closed for training.More >> A local lawmaker is speaking out against a proposed measure that could alter the way teachers are paid in the state.More >> A local lawmaker is speaking out against a proposed measure that could alter the way teachers are paid in the state.More >> There are more than 30 Pilot Flying J employees named in the affidavit for the federal investigation with five of them entering guilty pleas to fraud charges.More >> There are more than 30 Pilot Flying J employees named in the affidavit for the federal investigation with five of them entering guilty pleas to fraud charges.More >> A discount vacation club from Sevierville has closed its doors, creating a big financial loss for nearly 1,500 customers in several states.More >> A discount vacation club from Sevierville has closed its doors, creating a big financial loss for nearly 1,500 customers in several states.More >> The city of Niota is again without insurance and has shut down most city services.More >> The city of Niota is again without insurance and has shut down most city services.More >> The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing a $70,000 fine against the Tennessee Valley Authority for violations related to one of its East Tennessee nuclear plants.More >> The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing a $70,000 fine against the Tennessee Valley Authority for violations related to one of its East Tennessee nuclear plants.More >> Three people associated with the Bloods gang were arrested Tuesday after investigators found drugs at a Knox County home.More >> Three people associated with the Bloods gang were arrested Tuesday after investigators found drugs at a Knox County home.More >> A new collection of Barbie dolls is helping University of Tennessee fans show off their volunteer pride.More >> A new collection of Barbie dolls is helping University of Tennessee fans show off their volunteer pride.More >>
MEMPHIS (AP) - Shelby County health officials are distributing mosquito-eating fish to help combat West Nile Disease and other maladies.
The Commercial Appeal reports that Gambusia fish are native to the Delta region. Homeowners are encouraged to stock the species in ornamental ponds or non-working swimming pools to eat larvae of mosquitoes that lay eggs in still water.
Dr. Dan Sprenger of the Shelby County Health Department said each of the tiny fish eat up to 120 larvae per day.
With Shelby County having 3 of Tennessee's five confirmed West Nile case so far this year, officials are urging residents to give mosquitoes fewer places to spawn. Residents who want the fish can call the department's vector control program Monday-Friday.
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