Health unit now taking reports on dead birds

The public can report dead birds to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, since surveillance for the West Nile virus (WNv) program began earlier this week.

"Reporting dead birds to the health unit is an important part of our surveillance program because dead birds can be an early indicator that the virus is active in our area," said Brenda Armstrong, supervisor of the health unit's West Nile program.

"West Nile virus is well established across the province, but our annual surveillance is what helps to give us a local picture of the risk the virus may pose to our health each year."

West Nile is spread to humans by mosquitoes that have become infected by biting birds with the virus.

Although most people will not become sick, if bitten by an infected mosquito, WNv can cause severe illness in a percentage of the population.

The health unit's WNv plan for 2008 includes dead bird surveillance, testing of crows, blue jays and ravens, mosquito surveillance and human surveillance. Larval dipping and adult trapping help to determine the abundance of the type of mosquitoes that spread the virus.

In 2007, the health unit received more than 900 reports of dead birds. It submitted 40 dead birds for WNv testing and two confirmed positive for the virus.

People can protect themselves from mosquitoes that may be carrying WNv by wearing insect repellent, covering up with long sleeves and pants and by avoiding areas where mosquitoes are active.

Because mosquitoes like to breed in stagnant water, people should drain old tires, plastic containers, wading pools, wheelbarrows and clogged rain gutters regularly. They can also reduce mosquitoes in their backyards by changing the water in bird baths weekly and putting screens on rain barrels.

Residents can report dead birds by calling Your Health Connection, at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7250, or by using the online reporting form on the health unit's website at www.simcoemuskokahealth. org.