More birds test positive for West Nile Virus in Grey Bruce

By Darrell Ziegler

Latest results from laboratory testing confirm two more dead crows found in Grey Bruce carried the West Nile virus (WNv). This brings the total to eight WNv positive birds in the region this year.

The birds were discovered last week in Proton Station and in Dundalk.

The Health Unit says, “With this latest find, the Grey Bruce Health Unit has reached the threshold for the maximum allowable number of birds submitted for testing by the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre.

The presence of the infected birds confirms WNv activity in the region. Public Health will continue to track sightings of dead crows, blue jays and ravens but will no longer accept carcasses for testing. Residents are urged to continue to report dead bird sightings.”

On August 9, the unit found its first three WNv birds of the season, discovered in the Walkerton and Ayton area. At that time the Health Unit said they had “submitted 24 birds for testing so far this summer.” They went on to say “the presence of the birds indicates WNv activity.”

The unit made a press release on August 17, saying that three more birds were discovered in Durham, Paisley and Owen Sound.

This is up from last year, when there were two WNv positive birds in Grey Bruce.

The latest Grey Bruce Health Unit release says, “Surveillance for the virus has increased in the areas where positive carcasses have been identified. Public Health submitted 29 birds for testing this summer. While dead bird testing has ended, adult mosquito trapping, larval surveillance and human case surveillance are on going. There have been no positive mosquitoes or human cases of WNv identified in Grey Bruce this year.”

In comparison, the Huron County Health Unit has submitted a total of 20 birds for testing this year and found one dead crow in the Goderich area that has tested positive.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, health units in Ontario have reported 127 positive birds to date.

The health unit says it should be that noted mosquitoes remain active until first frost. At this time of year, there are increasing numbers of vectors; mosquitoes carrying the WNv. Residents are urged to continue to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.

· Avoid areas with high mosquito populations
· Take extra precautions from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is high
· Wear protective light-coloured clothing
· Use repellents containing DEET (follow label instructions carefully)
· Repair holes in screens, windows and doors to stop mosquitoes from getting into your home
· Reduce the mosquito population around your property by eliminating standing water

Most people (80%) who are infected with West Nile virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience symptoms consisting of fever, headache, muscle pain, and/or rash. Less than l% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill.

To report dead crows, blue jays or ravens call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456. For more information visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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