West Nile Virus On Rise. Deaths. States. CDC Data.

West Nile virus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

West Nile Virus
Virus classification
Group:	Group IV ((+)ssRNA)
Family:	Flaviviridae
Genus:	Flavivirus
Species:	West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic arbovirus belonging to the genus Flavivirus in the family Flaviviridae. This flavivirus is found in temperate and tropical regions of the world. It was first identified in the West Nile subregion in the East African nation of Uganda in 1937. Prior to the mid 1990s, WNV disease occurred only sporadically and was considered a minor risk for humans, until an outbreak in Algeria in 1994, with cases of WNV-caused encephalitis, and the first large outbreak in Romania in 1996, with a high number of cases with neuroinvasive disease. WNV has now spread globally, with the first case in the Western Hemisphere being identified in New York City in 1999;^[1] over the next 5 years, the virus spread across the continental United States, north into Canada, and southward into the Caribbean Islands and Latin America. WNV also spread to Europe, beyond the Mediterranean Basin [a new strain of the virus was recently (2012) identified in Italy]. WNV is now considered to be an endemic pathogen in Africa, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and in the United States, which in 2012 has experienced one of its worst epidemics.

The main mode of WNV transmission is via various species of mosquitoes which are the prime vector, with birds being the most commonly infected animal and serving as the prime reservoir host - especially passerines which are of the largest order (Passeriformes) of birds. WNV has been found in various species of ticks, but current research suggests they are not important vectors of the virus. WNV also infects various mammal species, including humans, and has been identified in reptilian species, including alligators and crocodiles, and also in amphibians. Not all animal species which are susceptible to WNV infection – humans included, and not all bird species develop sufficient viral levels to transmit the disease to uninfected mosquitoes, and are thus not considered major factors in WNV transmission.^[2][3]

Approximately 80% of West Nile virus infections in humans are subclinical, which cause no symptoms.^[4] In the cases where symptoms do occur – termed West Nile fever in cases without neurological disease – the time from infection to the appearance of symptoms (incubation period) is typically between 2 and 15 days. Symptoms may include fever, headaches, fatigue, muscle pain or aches, malaise, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, myalgias and rash. Less than 1% of the cases are severe and result in neurological disease when the central nervous system is affected. People of advanced age, the very young, or those with immunosuppression, either medically induced, such as those taking immunosupressive drugs, or due to a pre-existing medical condition such as HIV infection, are most susceptible. The specific neurological diseases which may occur are West Nile encephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain, West Nile meningitis, which causes inflammation of the meninges which are the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, West Nile meningoencephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain and also the meninges surrounding it, and West Nile poliomyelitis - spinal cord inflammation which results in a syndrome similar to polio, which may cause acute flaccid paralysis.

Currently, no vaccine against WNV infection is available. The best method to reduce the rates of WNV infection is mosquito control on the part of municipalities, businesses and individual citizens to reduce breeding populations of mosquitoes in public, commercial and private areas via various means including eliminating standing pools of water where mosquitoes breed, such as in old tires, buckets, disused swimming pools, etc. On an individual basis, the use of personal protective measures to avoid being bitten by an infected mosquito, via the use of mosquito repellent, window screens, avoiding areas where mosquitoes are more prone to congregate, such as near marshes, areas with heavy vegetation etc., and being more vigilant from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active offers the best defense. In the event of being bitten by an infected mosquito, familiarity of the symptoms of WNV on the part of laypersons, physicians and allied health professionals affords the best chance of receiving timely medical treatment which may aid in reducing associated possible complications and also appropriate palliative care.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Nile_virus

2012 West Nile virus update: October 2

As of October 2, 2012, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 3,969 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 163 deaths, have been reported to CDC. Of these, 2,010 (51%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 1,959 (49%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease.

The 3,969 cases reported thus far in 2012 is the highest number of West Nile virus disease cases reported to CDC through the first week in October since 2003. Almost 70 percent of the cases have been reported from eight states (Texas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Dakota, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Illinois) and a third of all cases have been reported from Texas.

West Nile Virus (WNV) Human Infections Reported to ArboNET, by
State, United States, 2012 (as of October 2, 2012)

Human Disease Cases Reported To CDC
State	Neuroinvasive Disease Cases	Non–Neuroinvasive Disease Cases	Total Cases*	Deaths	Presumptive Viremic Blood Donors†
Totals	2,010	1,959	3,969	163	508
Alabama	24	7	31	1	0
Arizona	40	27	67	1	23
Arkansas	37	14	51	6	4
California	121	95	216	10	41
Colorado	50	56	106	3	0
Connecticut	8	8	16	0	1
Delaware	1	5	6	1	0
District Of Columbia	2	0	2	1	0
Florida	35	13	48	2	4
Georgia	27	18	45	4	11
Idaho	3	8	11	0	2
Illinois	108	45	153	5	16
Indiana	12	50	62	6	14
Iowa	6	13	19	0	6
Kansas	15	17	32	1	0
Kentucky	4	2	6	0	3
Louisiana	107	106	213	11	31
Maryland	18	17	35	3	12
Massachusetts	15	5	20	1	0
Michigan	127	51	178	10	36
Minnesota	32	34	66	1	31
Mississippi	88	114	202	5	20
Missouri	10	4	14	1	8
Montana	0	5	5	0	0
Nebraska	17	68	85	1	22
Nevada	5	1	6	1	1
New Hampshire	1	0	1	0	0
New Jersey	16	19	35	2	4
New Mexico	19	17	36	1	6
New York	45	28	73	4	12
North Carolina	6	0	6	2	2
North Dakota	32	45	77	0	17
Ohio	60	37	97	4	14
Oklahoma	90	72	162	9	35
Oregon	0	3	3	0	0
Pennsylvania	15	7	22	1	4
Rhode Island	2	2	4	0	0
South Carolina	16	8	24	3	11
South Dakota	58	137	195	3	42
Tennessee	16	10	26	0	1
Texas	674	764	1438	54	58
Utah	1	2	3	0	0
Vermont	1	0	1	0	0
Virginia	11	8	19	2	2
Washington	3	1	4	0	0
West Virginia	3	0	3	0	0
Wisconsin	26	12	38	3	13
Wyoming	3	4	7	0	1

* Includes confirmed and probable cases.
†Of the 508 presumptive viremic blood donors, 76 (15%) developed clinical illness and are also included as "Human disease cases reported to CDC".

West Nile virus (WNV) activity reported to ArboNET, by state, United States, 2012 (as of October 2, 2012)

Footnote: The map displays white areas that represent no WNV activity reported, light green areas that represent any WNV activity* , dark green circles that represent disease cases, and dark green triangles that represent presumptive viremic blood donors.

* Includes WNV human disease cases, presumptive viremic blood donors, veterinary disease cases and infections in mosquitoes, birds, and sentinel animals.
† Presumptive viremic blood donors have a positive screening test which has not necessarily been confirmed.

Map shows the distribution of WNV activity* (shaded in light green), human infections (dark green circles), and presumptive viremic blood donors (dark green triangles) occurring during 2012 by state. If West Nile virus infection is reported from any area of a state, that entire state is shaded.

Data table:

Non-human West Nile virus infections have been reported to CDC ArboNET from the following states:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Four thousand four hundred and one human West Nile virus infections have been reported to CDC ArboNET from Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

USGS: CDC Arbonet Maps provided by USGS

For information on WNV activity in Canada please see:http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wnv-vwn/index.html

What Is West Nile Virus? West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. This fact sheet contains important information that can help you recognize and prevent West Nile virus. What Can I Do to Prevent WNV? New! Prevention measures consist of community-based mosquito control programs that are able to reduce vector populations, personal protection measures to reduce the likelihood of being bitten by infected mosquitoes, and the underlying surveillance programs that characterize spatial/temporal patterns in risk that allow health and vector control agencies to target their interventions and resources. The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package. Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours. Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used. Back to the top What Are the Symptoms of WNV? Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks. No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all. Back to the top How Does West Nile Virus Spread? Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite. Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby. Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus. Back to the top How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick? People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito. Back to the top How Is WNV Infection Treated? There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own, although even healthy people have become sick for several weeks. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care. Back to the top What Should I Do if I Think I Have WNV? Milder WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not necessarily need to seek medical attention for this infection though they may choose to do so. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV. Back to the top What Is the Risk of Getting Sick from WNV? People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness.People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites. Being outside means you're at risk. The more time you're outdoors, the more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot of time outside, either working or playing. Risk through medical procedures is very low. All donated blood is checked for WNV before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor. Back to the top Pregnancy and nursing do not increase risk of becoming infected with WNV. The risk that WNV may present to a fetus or an infant infected through breastmilk is still being evaluated. Talk with your care provider if you have concerns. Back to the top What Is the CDC Doing About WNV? CDC is working with state and local health departments and other government agencies, as well as private industry, to prepare for and prevent new cases of WNV. Some things CDC is doing include: Manage and maintain ArboNET, a nation-wide electronic surveillance system where states share information about WNV and other arboviral diseases Support states develop and carry out improved mosquito prevention and control programs Developing better, faster tests to detect and diagnose WNV Prepare updated prevention and surveillance information for the media, the public, and health professionals Working with partners on the development of vaccines Back to the top What Else Should I Know? If you find a dead bird: Don't handle the body with your bare hands. Contact your local health department for instructions on reporting and disposing of the body. They may tell you to dispose of the bird after they log your report. For more information Call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636), Monday - Friday, 8am-8pm ET, Closed Holidays Email cdcinfo@cdc.gov. (For TTY, call 1-888-232-6348.)

Mass Bird Die-Off & Dead Birds Infected With West Nile Virus.

Two thousand dead birds found along 6 km stretch of Chilean beach

Posted on May 12, 2012 

May 12, 2012 – CHILE – About 2,000 birds were found dead on beaches in central Chile, a natural history museum director said Friday, accusing fishermen of snagging them in their nets and letting them drown. CNN reports the number of dead birds could be as high as 2300. “It’s a horrible scene. They are spread across some six kilometers (four miles) of beach” around the coastal city of Santo Domingo, San Antonio natural history and archeology museum director Jose Luis Brito told UCV radio. Most of the birds are gray petrels, but there are also pelicans, gannets and Guanay cormorants. Brito accused fishermen of “doing nothing when birds get caught up in their nets, and leaving them to drown before throwing the bodies back into the sea.” The museum said it would file a complaint to police over the dead birds. About 100 bird carcasses were found on central beaches on Sunday. Thousands of dolphins and maritime birds, including many pelicans, have been found dead in neighboring Peru in recent weeks. Environmental groups blamed oil exploration work, but Peru’s deputy environment minister Gabriel Quijandria, disputed the claim and said warming waters, which disturbs food supplies, was a possible cause. –Physics

source: http://theextinctionprotocol.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/two-thousand-dead-birds-found-along-6-km-stretch-of-chilean-beach/

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MASS BIRD DIE-OFF: 2,300 BIRDS FOUND MYSTERIOUSLY DEAD ALONG CHILEAN BEACHES?!

11:55 AM  ANDRE HEATH  NO COMMENTS

Chilean officials are asking fishermen to help save birds caught in nets after thousands of dead fowl appeared along coastal Chile this week.  At least 2,300 dead birds were found along beaches betweenCartagena and Playa de Santo Domingo, Chile, said Jose Luis Britos, and environment professor and director of the Museum of Natural History of San Antonio, Chile. 

Wildlife engineer Guillermo Boigorria, left, and regional prosecutor Lev Castro inspect sea bird in Peru,
which along with Chile has seen a rash of water bird deaths.

Many of the birds, which come from several species, had broken wings and bruising on the outside of their bodies -- injuries consistent with getting trapped in fishing nets, Britos said.  He said bird deaths from fishing nets occur every year, but never at this level. In a typical year, about 15 to 20 dead birds are found, Britos said.   One hypothesis for the increase this year involves climate. As Chilean weather gets colder this time of year, migrating birds that would normally travel north for warmth are instead lingering to feast on an influx of anchovies and sardines that had fled the coast of Peru in search of cooler waters.  Earlier this week, Peruvian authorities say warm waters off that country's coast are to blame for the deaths of more than 5,000 marine birds.  The Peruvian National Center for the Study of El Nino said that since February, the Peruvian coast has had an abundance of warm water as a result of marine currents throughout the world's oceans. The warm water has altered the marine ecosystem, it said.  

The warm water has led fish such as anchovies and other species that live in surface waters to migrate to deeper water toward the south. As a result, pelicans and other birds that feed from the surface of the water died of starvation.  "If these oceanographic conditions persist, it is likely that its impact will spread to other areas of the (Peruvian) coast even during the fall, which could make the numbers increase and affect other marine species," the report stated.  The Peruvian ministry of environment said seafood is still safe to eat, and encouraged everyone to continue to support local fishermen, according to state-run Andina news agency.  Officials in Peru continue to search for the cause of death of almost 900 dolphins since the beginning of the year. The health ministry is awaiting final results from molecular analysis looking for the morbillivirus, which previously has been linked to dolphin deaths.  The Chilean agriculture and livestock ministry and staff from Britos' center have called for a meeting with fishermen for Monday. They are asking fishermen to try to save trapped birds before closing their nets.  Britos said he worries that until Monday, the number of dead birds could rise significantly. - CNN.

WATCH: 7300 Birds Found Mysteriously Dead in Chile and Peru.


source: http://thecelestialconvergence.blogspot.com/2012/05/mass-bird-die-off-2300-birds-found.html

Report dead birds to track West Nile virus

June 13, 2012

By Staff

The impending arrival of summer also marks the start of mosquito season — and increased risk of West Nile virus.

State Department of Health officials asked citizens to report dead birds online in order to help track the virus. The location and testing of dead birds — especially crows, ravens, jays, magpies and hawks — is a way to track the West Nile virus.

Citizens can report dead birds at www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/WNV/reportdeadbird.html. Officials encourage dead bird monitoring from May through November.

Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus after the insects feed on infected birds. The disease can sicken humans, horses, and many types of birds and other animals.

Most people do not feel the effects of infection, but in others, West Nile disease can cause severe symptoms, including brain and spinal cord diseases.

Statewide, health officials collected five positive mosquito samples in 2011 — down from 126 positive samples in 2010. Officials did not detect any bird, horse or human cases last year.

West Nile virus in Washington reached a high in 2009, as health officials documented 38 human cases, including one fatality.

source: http://snovalleystar.com/2012/06/13/report-dead-birds-to-track-west-nile-virus

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Posted on Fri, Jun. 01, 2012 

source: http://www.modbee.com/2012/06/01/v-print/2224273/dead-bird-in-modesto-tests-positive.html

Dead bird in Modesto tests positive for West Nile

By Patty Guerra
pguerra@modbee.com

last updated: June 01, 2012 11:33:44 PM

MODESTO -- ]

Culex Pipeins or more commonly known as a house mosquito carries the West Nile Virus in the the Modesto area. Culex Pipeins is the culpret ESMAD is primarily targeting. (Photo courtesy the East Side Mosquito Abatement District) - -

For the first time this year, a dead bird in Stanislaus County has tested positive for West Nile virus. The bird found in Modesto had the virus, Stanislaus County health officials announced Friday.

"This finding is sort of the sentinel event for us," said Dr. John Walker, Stanislaus County public health officer. "We are right on the doorstep of the beginning of the season."

As of Thursday, officials said, the virus has been detected in 10 other California counties and confirmed in 19 dead birds and six mosquito samples. That includes two birds in San Joaquin County.

It has not been detected in horses or humans.

"This early season concerns me," San Joaquin County health officer Dr. Karen Furst said. "Most people are not thinking about mosquitoes now."

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals — often horses — through the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus. Hot weather, abandoned swimming pools and standing water create ideal conditions for the development of mosquitoes and the subsequent spread of the virus.

Most people who are infected will not experience any illness. About one in five will develop West Nile fever, with symptoms of headache, fever and fatigue. However, some individuals — fewer than 1 percent — will develop serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems, such as diabetes patients, have the highest risk of becoming ill and developing complications.

Walker said the Central Valley has been a hotbed for the virus, which has become "endemic" — meaning it's here to stay.

"Our observation is that our county residents are letting their guard down as if the storm has passed," Walker said. "In 2005, we had an epidemic where we had more than 80 cases in our county. Since then, we have had decreases, but we're at a fairly steady point during the past four years."

In 2011, five people became ill to varying degrees with West Nile virus. How many human cases the county has in any particular year is impossible to say because so many people don't get symptoms, or just think they have the flu because the symptoms go away.

But for others, particularly older folks, the virus is dangerous. And because there's no vaccine for it, the best measures to take are those that fight mosquitoes. Walker advised people to wear mosquito repellent, preferably one containing DEET, whenever they're outside.

"It's most important at two times of day, at dawn and dusk," he said. "Those are when mosquitoes are most active in the environment."

He suggested runners out in the early morning wear long-sleeved shirts. And he advised caution for those attending Modesto Nuts or Little League baseball games.

"I'm very concerned especially for the grandparents who may be going to the games and watching their little ones play," he said.

Walker reiterated the annual warning about standing water; it only takes a small area of stagnant water to encourage mosquitoes to lay their eggs.

"It's surprising how little it takes for the eggs to grow," he said, warning residents to check water in places such as piles of old tires as well as splash pools and abandoned swimming pools in the neighborhood.

"The most serious threat in our community is neglected swimming pools," Walker said.

Walker said the season has been extending beyond the traditional summer months, with several cases reported after Labor Day last year. So throughout the summer and into the fall, it's important for residents to stay vigilant.

"The numbers (in the county) have been 20 or fewer cases," he said. "But because this disease is so serious and because it is preventable, we'd love to see it go to zero."

The Record (Stockton) contributed to this report.

Bee staff writer Patty Guerra can be reached at pguerra@modbee.com or (209) 578-2343.

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WEST NILE: AT A GLANCE

SYMPTOMS

• About one in five people infected will have fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting or swollen lymph glands, lasting a few days to several weeks.

• One in 150 of those infected suffer a debilitating attack, with fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, severe weakness, tremors, coma and paralysis. This form of the illness can be fatal or cause long-term neurological effects.

STEPS TO TAKE

• Use insect repellent with DEET when outdoors; wear long sleeves and long pants.

• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most likely to bite.

• Put screens on windows and doors.

• Empty standing water (in flower pots, buckets, empty tires, barrels or rain gutters).

• Change water regularly in pet dishes and birdbaths.

• Keep wading pools empty and on their sides when not in use.

• Report unusually high numbers of mosquitoes, as well as dead birds.

WHOM TO CALL

• East Side Mosquito Abatement District: (209) 522-4098

• Turlock Mosquito Abatement District: (209) 634-1234

• Merced Mosquito Abatement District: (209) 722-1527

• San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District: (209) 982-4675 or (800) 300-4675

To report dead birds or squirrels:

• Toll-free state hot line at (877) 968-2473, or visit www.westnile.ca.gov. Don't touch dead animals.

For more information:

• Call the West Nile virus hot line at (209) 558-8425 to hear recorded information in English and Spanish. You also can visit www.stanemergency.com.

West Nile Virus Activity Increases in Sacramento County as More Dead Birds and Mosquito Samples Test Positive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 4, 2012

WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY INCREASES IN SACRAMENTO COUNTY AS MORE

DEAD BIRDS AND MOSQUITO SAMPLES TEST POSITIVE

Wet weather will increase stagnant water and mosquito sources

Elk Grove, Calif.— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito &Vector Control District announced

today that further evidence of West Nilevirus activity has been detected throughout

Sacramento County as  32 new mosquito samples and 4 birds  have tested

positive for the disease. The birds and mosquito samples have been collected from

different areas in SacramentoCounty but especially focused in communities near Gerber

and Calvine Rd.  “We’re very concerned about the level of intense activity we’re seeing

this season” said David Brown, District Manager. “While it’s not uncommon to find

widespread areas with dead birds and mosquito samples in August, finding virus activity

in June is certainly earlier than anything we’ve seen in recent years and we urge

residents to take these early indications seriously” he added. West Nile virus activity was

also detected last week in the city of Davis in Yolo County as dead birds and mosquito

samples also tested positive.

The increased activity comes as the region is getting a late rain storm which will create

even more aquatic sites capable of producing mosquitoes. “The excess water will

increase mosquito habitats. Now more than ever we need everyone to do their part and

drain mosquito breeding sources in their back yard” said Brown. “As the warming trend

continues for the remainder of the week, the virus will likely amplify and the risk of human

transmission will increase” said Brown.

In response to the recent findings, the District has started ground fogging around areas

where positive mosquitoes and birds have been found.

For current information about any treatments planned, please visit

www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also subscribe to receive email notifications for

mosquito treatments by zip code.  To sign up go to Spray Notifications on the website.

2012 West Nilevirus activity update:

Level  2–Sacramento County: 23 dead birds and  42 mosquito samples have tested

positive for West Nile virus to date.

Level 2–Yolo County:  2 dead birds and 2 mosquito samples has tested positive for

West Nile virus to date

 source: http://www.fightthebite.net/2012/06/04/2041/

MASS BIRD DIE-OFF: HUNDREDS OF BIRDS FOUND DEAD IN MELBOURNE'S EAST?!

1:15 AM  ANDRE HEATH  NO COMMENTS

The Department of Sustainability and Environment has urged people not to feed native birds after hundreds were found dead in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

File Photo.

The suspected cause was bacterial bowel infection necrotic enteritis. DSE biodiversity incident planning officer Kirsty Greengrass said the infection was easily spread. 

“The disease is spread through droppings from sick birds and a single sick bird can easily pass it on to healthy birds congregating at feed sites,” Ms Greengrass said. 

Birds have enough natural food available. Dead birds should be disposed of by using a plastic bag as a glove, then double bagged and put in the bin. Birds should not be buried because dogs or cats may dig them up. - Maroondah Leader.

source: http://thecelestialconvergence.blogspot.com/2012/06/mass-bird-die-off-hundreds-of-birds.html