05-02-2005, 03:59 PM
Monday, May 02, 2005 - 12:00 AM [url "http://www.harktheherald.com/print.php?sid=54114"]![[Image: print.gif]](http://www.harktheherald.com/images/global/print.gif)
[/url] | [url "http://www.harktheherald.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Recommend_Us&file=index&req=FriendSend&sid=54114"]![[Image: friend.gif]](http://www.harktheherald.com/images/global/friend.gif)
[/url]
DWR asks for help in reporting dead birds
Caleb Warnock DAILY HERALD
With West Nile virus season upon us, state officials are asking residents for help in reporting birds that may have died from the disease -- an early indicator that humans are in danger.
Anyone who finds a dead bird of a certain species is now asked to call the regional office of the Division of Wildlife Resources. [url "http://heraldextra.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=display_ads&file=index&func=display_ad&ad=00258445"][/url]![[Image: adlog.php?bannerid=208&clientid=192&...01c59fcc1f]](http://adserver.harktheherald.com/adlog.php?bannerid=208&clientid=192&zoneid=27&source=&block=0&capping=0&cb=c5ae7a3189cfafc9d0fcb401c59fcc1f)
[url "http://adserver.harktheherald.com/adclick.php?n=a1d19a67"]![[Image: adview.php?what=zone:27&n=a1d19a67]](http://adserver.harktheherald.com/adview.php?what=zone:27&n=a1d19a67)
[/url] County or state officials will pick up the bird at no cost and have them tested at the state lab, said Leslie McFarlane, wildlife disease specialist with the DWR.
Two species of birds will be tested this year: birds of prey, including red-tailed hawks, Northern Goshawks, golden eagles, and corvids including common ravens, American crows, black-billed magpies, gray jays, western scrub-jays, Stellar's jays, pinyon jays, and Clark's nutcrackers.
Any other bird that may be exhibiting neurologic symptoms, meaning they can't fly or appear disoriented and lethargic, should also be tested.
Dead bird pick-up is starting two weeks earlier than last year simply because "we are ready," McFarlane said.
If called, "we will try to get there as soon as we can," she said. "If we have a whole bunch of dead birds, it might take us a while. People may have to be patient."
Specialists around the state have been given equipment to collect the birds, training on how to swab the back the bird's throat to collect a sample for testing, and how to dispose of the carcass, she said.
If the bird tests positive, the state will spring into action with a campaign to alert residents that the disease is active in the area, she said.
Dead birds is one of several early warning signs that humans must be vigilant against infection, McFarlane said. Other signs include infected horses, mosquitoes and so-called sentinel chickens, a flock which the county tests at least once a week to determine if the virus is present in their blood.
Mosquitoes also are tested weekly by county mosquito abatement crews.
Residents who find dead birds that qualify for testing should leave the birds alone if they are in the shade, or move them into the shade if they are in direct sunlight. Residents can then fill out an online form to request the bird be picked up for testing, or call the regional Division of Wildlife Resources office, McFarlane said.
"There has not been any evidence that West Nile can be given to humans through contact with an animal, but it is best to minimize contact," she said.
Dead birds that are not the correct species should simply be thrown away, she said.
"If it is not the right species of bird, or if it has been dead too long, the best thing to do is double bag it and throw it away in a trash can," she said.
If you find a dead or sick bird that needs to be picked up for testing, call the Springville office of the Division of Wildlife Resources at 491-5678 or e-mail stevegray@utah.gov.
[i] Caleb Warnock can be reached at 344-2543 or cwarnock@heraldextra.com.[/i]
How to know if a bird should be tested (Division of Wildlife Resources data):
Is the bird a target species -- raven, crow, jay or bird of prey?
Does the bird appear to be ill or dying?
Has the bird been dead less than 24 hours? Decayed birds are not suitable for testing.
Is there no other obvious cause of death? Do not call if the bird struck a window, was killed by a cat or was hit by a vehicle.
As mosquitoes come out, state officials are urging residents to protect themselves from being infected with West Nile virus, which can result in death. The state recommends
Protecting yourself from dusk to dawn. Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active during this time.
Use DEET mosquito repellent according to label instructions.
Make sure window screens and screened doors are in good repair. Small holes will allow mosquitoes to enter.
Eliminate standing water around your home, such as old tires, cans, poorly kept swimming pools or any other source where stagnant water accumulates.
Change water regularly, at least every two to three days, in birdbaths, outdoor pet dishes, etc.
Aerate ornamental ponds or contact your local mosquito abatement district regarding treatment options.
For more information on personal protection and minimizing mosquitoes around your home, please visit www.health.utah.gov. This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1.
[signature]
[/url] | [url "http://www.harktheherald.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Recommend_Us&file=index&req=FriendSend&sid=54114"][/url]DWR asks for help in reporting dead birds
Caleb Warnock DAILY HERALD
With West Nile virus season upon us, state officials are asking residents for help in reporting birds that may have died from the disease -- an early indicator that humans are in danger.
Anyone who finds a dead bird of a certain species is now asked to call the regional office of the Division of Wildlife Resources. [url "http://heraldextra.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=display_ads&file=index&func=display_ad&ad=00258445"][/url]
Two species of birds will be tested this year: birds of prey, including red-tailed hawks, Northern Goshawks, golden eagles, and corvids including common ravens, American crows, black-billed magpies, gray jays, western scrub-jays, Stellar's jays, pinyon jays, and Clark's nutcrackers.
Any other bird that may be exhibiting neurologic symptoms, meaning they can't fly or appear disoriented and lethargic, should also be tested.
Dead bird pick-up is starting two weeks earlier than last year simply because "we are ready," McFarlane said.
If called, "we will try to get there as soon as we can," she said. "If we have a whole bunch of dead birds, it might take us a while. People may have to be patient."
Specialists around the state have been given equipment to collect the birds, training on how to swab the back the bird's throat to collect a sample for testing, and how to dispose of the carcass, she said.
If the bird tests positive, the state will spring into action with a campaign to alert residents that the disease is active in the area, she said.
Dead birds is one of several early warning signs that humans must be vigilant against infection, McFarlane said. Other signs include infected horses, mosquitoes and so-called sentinel chickens, a flock which the county tests at least once a week to determine if the virus is present in their blood.
Mosquitoes also are tested weekly by county mosquito abatement crews.
Residents who find dead birds that qualify for testing should leave the birds alone if they are in the shade, or move them into the shade if they are in direct sunlight. Residents can then fill out an online form to request the bird be picked up for testing, or call the regional Division of Wildlife Resources office, McFarlane said.
"There has not been any evidence that West Nile can be given to humans through contact with an animal, but it is best to minimize contact," she said.
Dead birds that are not the correct species should simply be thrown away, she said.
"If it is not the right species of bird, or if it has been dead too long, the best thing to do is double bag it and throw it away in a trash can," she said.
If you find a dead or sick bird that needs to be picked up for testing, call the Springville office of the Division of Wildlife Resources at 491-5678 or e-mail stevegray@utah.gov.
[i] Caleb Warnock can be reached at 344-2543 or cwarnock@heraldextra.com.[/i]
How to know if a bird should be tested (Division of Wildlife Resources data):
Is the bird a target species -- raven, crow, jay or bird of prey?
Does the bird appear to be ill or dying?
Has the bird been dead less than 24 hours? Decayed birds are not suitable for testing.
Is there no other obvious cause of death? Do not call if the bird struck a window, was killed by a cat or was hit by a vehicle.
As mosquitoes come out, state officials are urging residents to protect themselves from being infected with West Nile virus, which can result in death. The state recommends
Protecting yourself from dusk to dawn. Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active during this time.
Use DEET mosquito repellent according to label instructions.
Make sure window screens and screened doors are in good repair. Small holes will allow mosquitoes to enter.
Eliminate standing water around your home, such as old tires, cans, poorly kept swimming pools or any other source where stagnant water accumulates.
Change water regularly, at least every two to three days, in birdbaths, outdoor pet dishes, etc.
Aerate ornamental ponds or contact your local mosquito abatement district regarding treatment options.
For more information on personal protection and minimizing mosquitoes around your home, please visit www.health.utah.gov. This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1.
[signature]