| August
8, 2002
Little
Rock —
Due to the remarkable response from the
public in helping with the Department of Health’s
survey for dead birds, the agency is only able to
release county specific information.
We can provide a total bird count for each county
but are unable to give city, town or area information or
particular information on an individual bird turned into
the department. However,
it is very important for the public to continue to bring
in all dead crows and Blue Jays because the total bird
count for each county is extremely vital data.
“We
thank all Arkansans for their tremendous support in
helping us survey for these birds,” Dr. Fay Boozman,
agency director, said.
“This proactive response is so important.
We have to know exactly where the mosquito
populations are breeding.
This is vital for mosquito control.”
The
following are guidelines
for handling dead crows or blue jays suspected of
carrying the West Nile virus:
-
Use a glove or a plastic bag to pick
the bird.
-
Turn
a plastic bag inside out and pick up the bird with
the hands protected
by the bag if you don’t have a glove.
-
Then
turn the bag right side out and tie or seal it,
placing it in a second plastic bag.
-
In
ideal situations, the birds should be kept on ice
until they are delivered to the local health unit.
The
department has also received many inquiries concerning
pets and their risk for the disease.
Many
species of wild and domestic animals (such as dogs and
cats) can become infected with West Nile virus by the
bites of infected mosquitoes. With the exception of
horses and birds, most animals will not become ill or
die when they are infected with the virus. Several
West Nile virus-infected horses have
become ill and died in the United States; there are two
suspected cases in Arkansas of horses infected with West
Nile virus. Please contact a veterinarian to evaluate
and treat any pets or domestic animals that become ill.
The
Health Department is continuing to monitor the state for
mosquito-borne diseases. The
ADH has established a West Nile virus hotline to respond
to public inquiries.
If you have a question, please call 501.280.4817
from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For after hours and weekends, please call
501.661-2136 or 1.800.554.5738.
The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention West Nile
virus hotline is 1.888.246-2675; 1.888.246.2857
(Spanish).
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