West Virginia now has 43 counties reporting dead birds positive with West Nile virus. Dead birds infected with West Nile virus have been found in Hampsire and Mingo Counties. Previously, birds found in Barbour, Berkeley, Boone, Brooke, Cabell, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Grant, Greenbrier, Hancock, Hardy, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Mineral, Mercer, Monongalia, Monroe, Nicholas, Ohio, Preston, Putnam, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Wayne, Webster, Wetzel, Wirt, Wood and Wyoming Counties tested positive. All states bordering West Virginia have identified the West Nile virus within their confines.

West Nile virus may be spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. When outdoors during mosquito season, people can protect themselves by being properly clothed in long, loose and light colored clothing and use mosquito repellants containing DEET. When using products that contain DEET, use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Never apply products containing DEET to faces and hands of children. In addition, mosquito populations can be reduced by removing all standing water from your property: bird baths, pet bowls, tires, pots, cans or even bottle caps.

Persons who see a dead bird should contact their local health department. Birds are tested for West Nile at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine.

– 30 –