Dead bird sighting

[Lawrence Shing]

I was out for a walk the other morning and spotted a dead crow on the ground. Fortunately it was garbage day, so I picked up the crow with some cardboard and left it on a compost bin before the trucks came by. 

After getting home I decided to call vector control +1-877-968-2473 to report the dead bird sighting. They requested, that if I was willing, for me to bag the bird for them so they could test it for WestNile virus; I was able to go back to Montecito and bag the bird before the garbage truck came by. After a couple of days, they called back and confirmed that the bird tested positive for WestNile.

Here is a link to the county's vector control dead bird reporting site. https://vector.santaclaracounty.gov/services/report-dead-bird

Over the next couple of days/weeks they will be setting up some of those mosquito traps on the trees in the neighborhood. They might also investigate/review situations on public properties where there might be standing water, and the potential for mosquito breeding.

This is a reminder for us to do the same if our yards have any consistent puddles or water features that can breed mosquitoes. Wouldn't you know it, the same department is set up to provide free mosquito fish if you have an appropriate water feature/environment! https://vector.santaclaracounty.gov/mosquitoes/mosquitofish

We've successfully bred the free mosquito fish for a couple of years. They survived the not so harsh winter, and subsist on the algae, other plant life, and hopefully any mosquito larvae! 

Summary

-report dead bird sightings in the neighborhood

-eliminate standing water on your property

-report standing water on public property

-if you like, request free mosquito fish for your water feature 

Lawrence

[Lawrence Shing]

I got another follow up message from the state about mosquitoes.

Lawrence

Here are their recommendations: 

We would like to remind you to please take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding, to avoid West Nile virus:

• If you go out in the early morning or evening hours, wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt
• Use insect repellent with DEET in it. Put the repellent on your skin that is not covered by clothes
• Keep screens with no rips or tears on your windows and doors
• Empty water out of buckets, flower pots, and other containers in your yard
• Report green swimming pools (which can breed up to 1 million mosquitoes!) to your local vector control agency

 

Your local vector control or environmental health agency is aware of the positive bird, and is responsible for mosquito control. If you have questions related to mosquito control, you can find your local vector control agency by phone or online:

Call 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473) and choose the option to look up your local vector control agency. Or, visit our website at www.westnile.ca.gov. Look for the gray box in the top right hand corner that reads: “Locate your local mosquito and vector control agency.”

About 80% of people who are infected with West Nile virus do not become ill. However, some people do become ill. We want to make sure you are informed about how to protect yourself. You can find more facts about this virus on our FAQ’s and Basics page, here:

http://www.westnile.ca.gov/wnv_faqs_basics.php

================================================================