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The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department will begin the 2003 Dead Bird Surveillance
Program this week. Collecting dead birds is an integral part of monitoring the West
Nile Virus, according to Calhoun County Sanitarian Marvin Zwoll.
Dead birds should be submitted for testing. "Individuals need to contact our office
concerning dead birds to be sampled. We will obtain information and conduct a
screening process to determine if the bird is viable for testing," he said.
(354-6101)
Only birds which have died in the past 24-48 hours can be tested, he said. "If the bird
can be tested, we will provide the individual with proper collection procedures to
ensure their protection."
Zwoll said only one person in 150 that becomes infected with the West Nile Virus will
develop more severe symptoms. Two people in West Virginia have reportedly died of
West Nile Virus.
Eliminating breeding areas of mosquitoes is an important prevention effort, anywhere
where there is standing water from bird baths and old tires to containers and farm
ponds.
Secure screens on windows.
Repel mosquitoes with DEET and recognize those times when mosquitoes are out,
dusk and early dawn.
For further information call Zwoll at 304-354-6101.
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