| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- October 11, 2010 |
| Contact: Deborah Bass [email protected]
|
KNIGHTSEN CHICKEN, WALNUT CREEK BIRD TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District announced today that a chicken from Knightsen and a bird from Walnut Creek tested positive for West Nile virus. The chicken was from Holland Tract and the bird was found near South Main Street and Newell Avenue.
"This is the first West Nile virus infected bird from central county this year," said Dr. Steve Schutz, scientific program manager for the District. "It illustrates that virus infection can occur anywhere in the county."
So far this year, four people have contracted West Nile virus. All are recovering. For all West Nile virus activity in Contra Costa County excluding people, visit the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District's website. For information concerning human West Nile virus cases, symptoms, prevention, or testing, please visit the Contra Costa Health Services website or call their health emergency information line at (888) 959-9911.
Please report DEAD birds to the state hotline at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or online at www.westnile.ca.gov. Not all birds will be picked up and tested, but reporting dead birds provides important information for mosquito control efforts.
Important West Nile virus precautions include:
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DEFENDING yourself against mosquitoes by using a repellent with an effective active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Make sure to follow label directions.
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DRAINING all sources of standing water that may support mosquito-breeding habitats. Residential sources, such as neglected swimming pools, can be a big producer of mosquitoes in Contra Costa County.
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Making sure DOOR and window screens fit tight and are in good repair. This will prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
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Vaccinating your horses. Horses are highly susceptible to West Nile virus - approximately half of the horses that get West Nile virus die or have to be euthanized.
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Avoiding DAWN and DUSK times when outdoors since this is when mosquitoes are most active.
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DRESSING appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors and mosquitoes are present.
People wishing to be notified about adult mosquito fogging or spraying in residential areas have several options. They may visit the District's website and opt to receive the notifications automatically by e-mail; they can view information directly on the District's website; or they may phone the District for a recorded message at (925) 771-6195.
Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, a public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord. Call the District to report mosquito problems at (925) 771-6195 or visit their office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to get FREE mosquitofish for ornamental ponds or horse troughs. Fish are also available at the Antioch Corporation Yard located at 1201 W. 4th Street in Antioch.
For information concerning West Nile virus and horses, please call the California Department of Food and Agriculture Animal Health Branch at (916) 654-1447.
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