With the onset of the dreaded bug season, the surveillance for West Nile virus (WNv) program has also begun, and the public is asked to report any dead birds that they find to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

“Reporting dead birds to the health unit is an important part of our WNv surveillance program because dead birds can be an early indicator that the virus is active in our area,” said Brenda Armstrong, supervisor of the health unit’s WNv program. “West Nile virus is well established across the province, but our annual surveillance is what helps to give us a local picture of the risk the virus may pose to our health each year.”

WNv is spread to humans by mosquitoes that have become infected by biting birds with WNv. Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, WNv can cause severe illness in some people. People can protect themselves by wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding areas where mosquitoes are active.

Because mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, drain water regularly from old tires, wading pools, wheelbarrows and clogged rain gutters, as well as other areas that could potentially provide a safe place for a mosquito to breed.

In 2007, the health unit received more than 900 reports of dead birds, 40 of which were submitted for WNv testing. Only two of those 40 were confirmed positive for the virus. The 2008 WNv plan includes dead bird surveillance, testing of crows, blue jays and ravens, mosquito surveillance and human surveillance. Larval dipping and adult trapping help to determine the abundance of the type of mosquitoes that spread the virus.

You can report dead birds by calling Your Health Connection, at 1-877-721-7250 or 721-7520, or by using the online reporting form on the health unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.