Targeted ground spraying will be conducted in New Bedford by the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project early Thursday morning.

Mayor Jon Mitchell's office says that, weather permitting, the spraying will take place between 2 a.m. and sunrise.

Thursday morning's spraying will target areas including Buttonwood Park, Brooklawn Park, Fort Taber, Hazelwood Park, Riverside Park, Clasky Park, Ashley Park and the Poor Farm area.

Residents living near those areas may wish to close their windows Wednesday night before the spraying begins.

Surveillance is being conducted by the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project to track the potential for mosquitoes carrying Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile Virus.

There are also additional mosquito traps in place to collect additional pools of mosquitoes and there will also be on-going monitoring of mosquito populations to assess the effectiveness of the spraying effort.

Residents who would like to request a ground spray can contact the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project by calling 508) 823-5253, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. or by e-mailing: RequestBristolMCP@comcast.net.

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