State Begins To Monitor For Signs Of West Nile Virus

HARTFORD (AP) — A surveillance of wild birds has begun to determine early signs of West Nile virus activity in Connecticut, officials announced Monday.

The State Mosquito Management Program uses crow deaths as an early indicator of the virus, which is spread by a bird-biting species of mosquito.

“It is very important for the public to participate in reporting any dead bird they see,” said Dr James Hadler, state epidemiologist with the state Department of Public Health. “From these data, the state can track where WNV is re-emerging, the level of WNV activity, and determine what measures the public should take to reduce their risk.”

The public should report dead bird sightings to their local health department, state officials said.

Since the West Nile virus was first discovered in North America two years ago, there has been only one human case in Connecticut. But the virus has made dozens of people sick elsewhere, mostly in New York, and killed nine.

By last November, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station had detected the virus in 109 of the state’s 169 municipalities and all eight counties. Usually the virus was discovered in the bodies of birds that had died from the disease.

Wild bird surveillance, which began May 7 and will run through Nov 2, involves dead bird sightings and the testing of some birds for West Nile infection, the state Department of Environmental Protection said.

Crows have been particularly susceptible to the virus. Other birds that appear susceptible, including doves, jays, robins, and sparrows, also will be tested, officials said.

A public health notification will be announced when the virus is first detected and confirmed in either wild birds, mosquitoes, or domestic animals. A mosquito management team will discuss prevention and control measures with the affected municipality, such as expanding mosquito trapping or larviciding.