KCNS Urges Citizens to Prepare for West Nile Virus

June 13, 2003

State and local health department laboratories have started testing dead birds, mosquitoes and horses for West Nile Virus which is expected to arrive in Colorado later this spring or summer and Kiowa County residents should be watching for dead birds in the area. The virus is carried by birds and transmitted by mosquitoes that feed on the birds’ blood and then pass the virus on to humans and to other animals, such as horses.

To be eligible for testing a dead bird must meet the following criteria: 1. The bird must be a member of the corvid family. This includes crows, ravens, magpies, and jays; 2. The bird must have been dead less than 48 hours; 3. An exact location of where the bird was found is available.

Birds, such as sparrows, starlings, pigeons, finches, robins, small blackbirds and songbirds, will not be accepted for testing. Birds that are dried out, smelly or invested with maggots cannot be tested and will be rejected. If multiple birds have already been sent in for testing from one area, additional birds from that area may not be needed.

Citizens do not need to call and report dead birds that don’t meet the testing criteria and should properly dispose of the carcass. This can be done by placing the bird in a plastic bag, using gloves or a shovel, and then putting it in the trash.

Individuals who find a dead crow, magpie, jay or raven on their property need to place the bird in a plastic bag, using gloves or a shovel, and to keep it cool. The citizen can then contact the Kiowa County Nursing Service or Cooperative Extension agent to determine if the bird is needed and instructions on how to submit the carcass for testing.

The local health department or animal control agency then will send the bird to the state or regional laboratory to test for West Nile virus. Persons who have questions about submitting a dead bird or about other matters relating to West Nile virus should call Renay Seifried at (719) 438-5782 or Bruce Fickenscher at (719) 438-5321. For more information on West Nile virus prevention, visit the Fight The Bite Web site at www.fightthebitecolorado.com.

To prepare for the arrival of West Nile virus, people should repair holes in existing screens and eliminate potential breeding sites on their property.

People can best protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites by limiting outside activity around dawn and dusk, this is particularly important for individuals 50 years of age and older, as they are most susceptible to becoming seriously ill from West Nile virus. Most people who are invested with the virus do not become ill and have no symptoms.

Specific tips to take to prepare for West Nile virus include: When outside wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and applying insect repellent to exposed skin; Use insect repellents with DEET. Products with 10 percent or less of DEET are recommended for children; Make certain that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them; Drain all standing water on private property, no matter how small the amount; Stock permanent ponds or fountains with fish that eat mosquito larvae; Change water in birdbaths or wading pools and empty flowerpot saucers of standing water at least once a week; Check around faucets and air conditioner units and repair leaks or puddles that remain for several days; Make certain roof gutters drain properly and remove any standing water under or around structures on flat roofs; Remove items that could collect water such as old tires, buckets, empty cans and food and beverage containers.