Call toll free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473). Crows, ravens, jays, magpies, hawks, sparrows and finches are being tested. Dead squirrels can also be reported to that line.
I have noticed dead crows in the area but they were already attacked by flies and animals and were not good candiates for testing.
Can animals get sick from WNV?
An infected mosquito can bite any animal, but not all animals will become sick. The disease most often affects birds but may occasionally cause disease in other animals.
Wild birds serve as the main source of virus for mosquitoes. Infection has been reported in more than 225 bird species. Although many birds that are infected with WNV will not appear ill, WNV infection can cause serious illness and death in some birds. The most severe illnesses are seen among the corvid birds , which include crows, jays, ravens, and magpies.
Tree squirrels with West Nile virus can develop neurological symptoms such as uncoordinated movement, paralysis, shaking, or circling and may die.
Like people, most horses bitten by mosquitoes will not become sick with WNV. However, of those that do, clinical signs may include stumbling, circling, hind leg weakness, inability to stand, muscle tremors, and death. A vaccine to prevent West Nile virus is available for horses and horse-owners should consult with a veterinarian about WNV vaccine and other vaccines against mosquito-borne viruses, such as western equine encephalitis. For more information on West Nile Virus and horses, please visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture website at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov.
Dogs and cats can be exposed to WNV in the same way as humans. However, these animals are very resistant to WNV and rarely become ill. Concerned pet owners should consult with a veterinarian.
WNV Prevention
Last Updated: Jul 30, 2007
When dealing with West Nile virus, prevention is your best bet. Fighting mosquito bites reduces your risk of getting this disease, along with others that mosquitoes can carry. Take the commonsense steps below to reduce your risk:
- Avoid bites and illness;
- Clean out the mosquitoes from the places where you work and play
- Help your community control the disease.
Something to remember: The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a single mosquito bite remains low. The risk of severe illness and death is highest for people over 50 years old, although people of all ages can become ill.
1. Avoid Mosquito Bites
Apply Insect Repellent Containing DEET
(Look for: N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide ) to exposed skin when you go outdoors. Even a short time being outdoors can be long enough to get a mosquito bite. For details on when and how to apply repellent, see Mosquito Repellent.
Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites
When possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or DEET will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.
Get double protection: wear long sleeves during peak mosquito biting hours, and spray DEET repellent directly onto your clothes.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours
The hours from dusk to dawn are peak mosquito biting times for many species of mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning -- or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
2. Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Drain Standing Water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water.
Install or Repair Screens
Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having well-fitting screens on both windows and doors. Offer to help neighbors whose screens might be in bad shape.
3. Help Your Community
Report Dead Birds to Local Authorities
Dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area. Over 130 species of birds are known to have been infected with West Nile virus, though not all infected birds will die. It's important to remember that birds die from many other causes besides West Nile virus.
By reporting dead birds to state and local health departments, you can play an important role in monitoring West Nile virus. Check the Identify and Report Dead Birds page to find information about reporting dead birds in your area
Mosquito Control Programs
To find your local mosquito control agency click here. The Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) holds a wealth of knowledge on control and surveillance in California. To contact MVCAC click here. More questions about mosquito control? A source for information about pesticides and repellents is the National Pesticide Information Center, which also operates a toll-free information line: 1-800-858-7378 (check their Web site for hours).
Clean Up
Mosquito breeding sites can be anywhere. Neighborhood clean up days can be organized by civic or youth organizations to pick up containers from vacant lots and parks, and to encourage people to keep their yards free of standing water. Mosquitoes don't care about fences, so it's important to control breeding sites throughout the neighborhood.
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