ROSEVILLE, Calif. — The Placer Mosquito and Vector control District reports that an American robin collected from the northwest Roseville area has tested positive West Nile virus. This is the first positive indicator of West Nile virus activity for 2013.
“Dead birds provide an early indication of where virus activity is increasing.” said Joel Buettner, general manager of the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District. However, public health officials have expressed concerns over the fewer number of dead bird reports coming in from the public this year.This could affect how quickly West Nile virus hotspots are identified. “Ideally, we’d like to get an indication of West Nile virus activity before we find WNV-positive mosquitoes in an area. Finding WNV-positive dead birds help direct our surveillance and control efforts,” Buettner states.
The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District urges citizens to report dead birds by calling the California Department of Public Health hotline at (877) 968-2473 or report them online at www.westnile.ca.gov. Reports can also be made directly to the District via phone.
Due to this latest development, the District has increased surveillance of larval and adult mosquitoes in the area.
The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control advises the public to implement the 3 Ds of protection:
- Drain any standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
- Defend yourself and your home by using an effective insect repellent and dressing protectively when outside, and making sure screens on doors and windows are in good condition.
- Contact the District for any additional help controlling mosquitoes around your home.
For more information, contact the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District at (888) 768-2343 or www.placermosquito.org.
2013 Placer County West Nile virus activity update: 1 dead bird, 0 sentinel chickens, 0 mosquito samples, and 0 humans have tested positive for West Nile Virus to date