West Nile Virus

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I live in upstate New York and keep a few ducks and geese. The West Nile virus has been killing crows, sparrows, bluejays, and even a swan, but not pigeons. The virus has now been found from Boston to Buffalo, and south to New Jersey. Mosquitos spread the virus by biting an infected bird, and then biting other birds, people, and horses.

We have a bumper crop of mosquitos thanks to an incredibly wet spring and summer. Does anyone know if ducks and geese are as susceptable as crows, etc.? Chickens have been used as sentinels. The indication was that their blood is tested periodically for antibodies, but I haven't heard that any have died from the virus.

A local vet who is a bird specialist failed to return my call for information. I've been to the Cornell, NYS Dept. of Health, and US Geological Survey websites for information, but none address domestic ducks and geese. Any other suggestions for information?

-- bluetick (coonhound@mindspring.com), August 08, 2000

Answers

i do not know your ansewr but i have a question... can those chickens be eaten? can we catch it from eating birds w/ it in their system? here in md.we have also had a very very wet spring.

-- renee oneill (oneillsr@home.com), August 09, 2000.

Hi bluetick,

Here's the web page link to information about West Nile Virus from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) in Atlanta.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/q&a.htm

Regards,

(:raig

-- Craig Miller (CMiller@ssd.com), August 09, 2000.


Renee, West Nile virus can only be transmitted by infected mosquitos, they say.

-- bluetick (coonhound@mindspring.com), August 10, 2000.

I also have ducks and live in Niagara County, NY. I live in a particularly swampy area. We used the mosquito pellets given us by the county to no avail. As you mentioned, the rain has killed our corn and replaced it with' skeeters'. We have drained several low spots with a pump, but I fear it's way too late. My flock seems none the worse for any of this. I wonder about the eggs though? I wouldn't take the experts advice without a grain of salt. They nixed DDT and gave it a name worse than death itself, finding out later, of course, that it was almost harmless. Since its banishment, the 'skeeter' population goes uncontrolled in these banner years. (The pelets were useless) It (my opinion) seems the government's decisions are based on criteria other than what we have access to. Iam in no way a chemical advocate, but know of no wholesome method of ridding large areas of this pest. Wishing you the best in our little war here! Ed

-- Ed Weaver (edzreal@postmaster.co.uk), August 12, 2000.

HI, MY HUSBAND WAS JUST SAYING HOW SAFE IS THE SPRAYING. THEY ASK US TO CLOE WINDOWS,SHUT AIR CONDITIONERS OFF,STAY INSIDE,PUT YOUR PETS INSIDE AND WASH OFF TOYS. WHYYYYYYYYYY. THEY NEVER TELL YOU THE REAL TRUTH.THEY JUST FOUND ANOTHER CROW DEAD. WE'LL CATCH THE NEWS AT 5PM. IN THE MEANTIME WE SHOULD ALL TAKE PRECAUTIONS. PRISCILLA UPSTATE NY

-- MRS PRISCILLA WILLIAMS (GP83196@AOL.COM), August 15, 2000.


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