As we are approaching the peak of the West Nile virus (WNV) season there
is a huge influx of dead crows being received for testing at the Public
Health and Environmental Laboratory (PHEL). The Department of Health
and Senior Services (DHSS) is urging those municipalities with 5 or more
positive crows to stop submitting birds. Crows from new areas within
the larger municipalities with no reported evidence of WNV activity may
continue to submit birds for testing even if the municipality has over 5
positive birds. Please indicate on the submittal form "New Area". We are
simply trying to avoid testing numerous birds clustered in the same area.
Local health departments should also fax Dead/Ill Bird reports to
their local mosquito agencies. These data are crucial to enable prompt
mosquito control and surveillance (dead crows are excellent early indicators
of WNV which facilitate control efforts).
Note: Dead/Ill Bird reports for birds not submitted for testing still
need to be sent to DHSS via fax or electronically so that we can continue
to monitor dead bird activity.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Cheryl Farello,
WNV Coordinator or Sherry Groninger at 609-588-3121.
