WHITBY -- Two more crows, this time in Whitby, have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), bringing the total to six in Durham this year.
The Whitby birds were picked up on Aug. 13 and 14 and were originally reported by residents.
“They were from different areas, one was in the north end and one was in the south end,” said Neal Mattes, senior inspector for Durham’s health department. “But I wouldn’t say anyone in the north is more at risk than in the south, or the east and west for that matter.”
In addition to the two most recent birds, two crows from Oshawa, a crow from Port Perry and a crow from Uxbridge have also tested positive for the disease. The first bird was picked up on July 24 in Uxbridge. So far, Durham’s health department has sent 42 birds for testing.
Last summer, three birds out of the 36 submitted tested positive for the disease. As to why there are more positive birds, it could simply be the sample size, said Mr. Mattes.
“We submitted a lot more birds this year; it could have been people reported more.”
In 2006, seven out of 57 birds tested positive for the disease and in 2005, eight out of 69 tested positive. As well, this year officials say a horse in north Durham died of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a similar but much rarer virus that is also mosquito-borne.
The health department also sets mosquito traps and tests for WNV. So far there have been no positives among the mosquitoes. However, other municipalities in the GTA have found WNV-positive mosquitoes and a Markham woman has tested positive for a mild case of the disease.
As to whether there are more of them this year, Mr. Mattes is not sure.
“It’s quite possible there could be an increase in the number of mosquitoes, (but) we’re seeing similar numbers in our traps.”
Either way, residents should be careful, avoiding mosquito-infested areas and getting rid of standing water on their properties.
“We would just repeat the same message and indicate West Nile virus is still here in the region and people still need to take precautions,” said Mr. Mattes.
The health department wants residents to keep reporting dead crows, blue jays or raptors such as owls by calling the Region’s environmental help line at 905-723-3818 or 1-888-777-9613, ext. 2188. Sightings can also be reported online at www.region.durham.on.ca.
“If the bird is not decaying and it’s in good physical condition, obviously other than not being alive, we’ll collect the bird,” said Mr. Mattes.
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