WEST NILE VIRUS (WNV)

   The information on WNV is changing almost daily.  To date, WA, OR, and ID are the only three of the lower 48 states that do not have reported cases of human WNV.  California's first documented case (in Riverside County) was reported widely in the news in recent days.  It is best to check at those websites that are able to maintain up-to-date information.  For more general information is is best to consult the Center of Disease Control website.  For bird banders, I think the Point Reyes Bird Observatory (PRBO) site is very good (go to "New at PRBO" and then to "Info on West Nile Virus."  There are some useful links.

    At our bird banding stations, we are developing protocols to minimize the danger of contracting WNV.  Stay tuned!

    Over the weekend (6-8 May 2005), I heard a report on NPR of the first spring case of WNV in a dead crow in the Mar Vista area of the west side of Los Angeles.  I have not had a chance to confirm this with Vector Control.

Last Updated:  09 May 2005