Area crow tests positive for West Nile Virus

By Penni Schaefer

08/29/08 August 28, 2008 11:31 pm

— Crawford County West Nile Virus Control Program reported Thursday that it received a second confirmed positive case of the virus in 2008, this time on a dead crow found in Sadsbury Township.
This is the first reported case of the virus in a bird in Crawford County this year, but on Monday the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that a lone pregnant female mosquito netted in Saegertown two weeks ago tested positive.
West Nile Virus is a disease that can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, in humans.
According to Tammy Hamil-ton, coordinator of the Craw-ford County program, the crow that tested positive was found Aug. 12 in the back yard of a home on Route 18 in Sadsbury Township.
The normal turn around on testing is about two weeks.
According to Hamilton, Crawford County “normally” has one or two confirmed cases of the disease in birds each year, and reported that she just bagged another bird for testing.
“I just turned in a blue jay that was found on South Norrisville Road in Hayfield Township,” she said. “And now we are setting up extra surveillance.”
Hamilton encourages the public to become involved in helping the organization track down the sources.
To have testing performed on a dead bird, the Crawford County West Nile Virus Control Program follows specific guidelines. Only crows, blue jays and raptors transmit the disease, Hamilton said, so no other birds will be tested. Other stipulations include that the birds can’t be dead more than 24 hours, which is usually evident by the presence of maggots and ants. There can’t be any visible trauma to the bird nor can its eyes be sunken in.
“Right now we would like to find out if anyone knows where there is a crow roost with high populations,” she said. “If they do, we’d like to hear about them!”

CONFIRMED CASES SO FAR THIS YEAR
Confirmed Pennsylvania
West Nile Virus Cases
–– Humans, 1
–– Dead birds, 9
–– Mosquitos, 278

West Nile Virus by county
(northwest Pennsylvania)
–– Crawford, 2
–– Erie, 1
–– Franklin, 18
–– Mercer, 0
–– Warren, 1

Birds and mosquitos
Only Montgomery County has reported one positive test result for a human.

IF WEST NILE VIRUS IS FOUND NEAR YOU
If West Nile virus is discovered at a site where you spend time, it is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities unless local officials advise you otherwise.
However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing stagnant water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
If West Nile virus is found in your area:
–– Take normal steps to prevent insect bites.
–– Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.
–– Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.
–– Wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.