On the Watch for West Nile Virus

By 250 News

 It's that time of the year again, when  we are asked to keep  an eye out for signs of West Nile Virus .

 Working with the  Regional Districts and  municipalities, Northern Health has hired three  coordinators to help with  mosquito and bird surveillance as well as  public education on  West Nile virus.

Birds that are members of the "corvid" family  are  more likely to die from West Nile virus  and are a good indicator  that West Nile Virus is in the area.

Corvids are ravens, crows, magpies, and jays.

If you find a dead corvid , you are  asked to report   it to  the West Nile Virus coordinator in  your region so the bird can be sent for testing.

Dead corvids will be collected and tested through the summer until such time as West Nile Virus is confirmed to be in the North. To date, there has been no WNv activity originating in British Columbia and the North. If there are any confirmed cases of West Nile Virus originating in the North, Northern Health will alert the public.

To report a dead corvid, please contact the West Nile Virus coordinator in your area:
• Northern Interior, 250-565-2150  • Northeast, 250-719-6500   • Northwest, 250-638-2222

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