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A positive result on a Kanawha county bird has raised the number to five West
Virginia counties where the West Nile Virus has been found. The Mid-Ohio Valley
Health Department is continuing the dead bird surveillance program in all of its six
counties, according to Marlan Zwoll, Calhoun Sanitarian.
One or more dead birds from Calhoun and most surrounding counties have been sent
away. Zwoll said it is important to remember the transmission of the disease is by
mosquito bite, not from dead birds or animals.
Positive results from the submission of dead birds will continue to validate the
existence of the disease in the area, although no cases have yet been reported in
West Virginia
Standing water in pet bowls, rain barrels, pots, cans, ditches and ponds, are breeding
places for mosquitos, and should be eliminated where possible. Elimination of
standing water is "Not high-tech procedures, but they can be very effective," said
Zwoll.
The disease will be temporarily halted when cold weather comes and mosquitos
die.
Reporting dead birds, or clusters of dead birds, or other information regarding the
West Nile Virus, call Marlan Zwoll at 354-6101.
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