The mosquito population in southwest Louisiana is so big after Hurricane Laura that swarms of them are killing cows and horses

• The mosquito population is exploding in southwest Louisiana in aftermath of Hurricane Laura.
• Livestock owners have reported numerous cattle, horse, and deer deaths from mosquito attacks, according to a Louisiana State University AgCenter press release.
• The swarms of mosquitoes have sucked the blood out of the animals until "they can't get enough oxygen" and ultimately succumb to death, the LSU AgCenter said.

Swarms of mosquitoes in Louisiana have been attacking livestock and draining their blood until they die.

The insects have moved in to more populated areas after Hurricane Laura hit the state in late August.

Laura made landfall as a Category 4 storm, destroying homes, stripping power lines, and causing widespread flooding.

Adding to the list of devastating effects, the southwest Louisiana mosquito population "exploded", killing off a number of cows, deer, and horses, the Louisiana State University AgCenter said in a press release.

A number of livestock owners reported losing cows, bulls, and horses from the mosquitoes. One veterinarian told the LSU AgCenter that a cattle producer lost 20 cows. He told the Associated Press that a penned deer operation lost 30 out of 110 deer, at a loss of $100,000.

The mosquitoes suck the blood out of livestock, so the animals move around to try to get away from them, and then they can't get enough oxygen and eventually fall to death.

LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Christine Navarre recommended in the press release that livestock owners spray for mosquitoes, use rubs for the animals, put coverings on them if it's not too hot, and use good nutrition and heat practices to keep the livestock otherwise healthy.

Some parishes have sprayed for mosquitoes, and AgCenter agent Jimmy Meaux said that's helped to control the pests.

• Read more:
• Hurricane Laura has killed at least 4 people in the US and 23 in the Caribbean. It weakened to a tropical storm after hitting Louisiana.
• Toxic chemicals have spilled into the air in Louisiana due to Hurricane Laura — but air monitors died, making the danger unmeasurable
• Photos show the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm and pummeled Louisiana and Texas