In 1999, WNV was detected for the first time in the United States in New York City. 
This led to the start-up of a multi-agency network for West Nile Virus surveillance and prevention in Pennsylvania. The Perry County Conservation District has participated in the state-funded West Nile Virus (WNV) Program since 2000 when Pennsylvania started its program. WNV was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2000 and in Perry County in 2002.
Presently, the West Nile Virus Control Program is designed to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus. The Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) program utilizes education, surveillance, mosquito-breeding habitat reduction, natural controls, and applied larval and adult control. The WNV control program runs from early April to late October, which coincides with the active mosquito season. WNV is typically transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Surveillance
Mosquitoes are collected in traps at many locations throughout the county. These samples are identified and tested for the presence of WNV. The Conservation District has a control program in place to help control mosquito populations should it become necessary, if the threat of WNV transmission is present.
|
 |
|
|
Crows, blue jays and raptors are the most susceptible to WNV and can indicate the presence of WNV in the region. When an infected bird is found and reported, trapping efforts can be concentrated in that area.
|
Dead Birds Should Be Reported to Our Office.
Perry County Conservation District (717) 582-8988 ext. 4
The WNV Program Coordinators can collect five birds per week from each county for testing for West Nile Virus, from May 1 through October 31. If you are interested in submitting your dead bird for testing, call your West Nile County Coordinator to see if your county is still accepting submissions and for instructions on how and where to submit.
1. Crows, Jays, Hawks, and Owls only.
2. Birds must be dead less than 48 hours and undamaged in any way in order to be collected.
3. Refrigerate birds in an ice chest or refrigerator not used for food or
place ice packs on top of bird and place a bucket over it until it can be submitted.
4. Avoid bare-hand contact when handling dead birds. Use rubber gloves when handling a dead bird. If you do not have gloves, insert your hand into a plastic bag, grasp the bird carefully and invert the bag over the bird. Each bird should be placed in a tied plastic bag and then placed inside a second tied bag.
5. If you are not submitting the bird for testing, the bagged bird can be placed in the trash.
What You Can Do To Help!
The best and most effective way to help this community effort in public health is to take care of your own house and yard. Preventing mosquitoes from breeding is the cornerstone of the WNV prevention message.
There are several things that citizens can do around their homes to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Simple steps such as eliminating household items that can collect water can greatly reduce the potential risk of West Nile Virus in your area. Old buckets, toys, tarps, tires and especially roof gutters all hold water, enough water to keep a mosquito alive and developing right under your nose. Checking birdbaths, flowerpots, and wading pools is also an important step.
Helping to prevent the spread of WNV is as simple as eliminating standing water from around your house and yard. Following these practices takes away the environment the mosquito larvae need to live and grow - STAGNANT WATER!
Reducing these breeding habitats helps to protect you and your family.
*REMEMBER WATER SITTING LONGER THAN FOUR DAYS CAN PRODUCE MOSQUITOES!*
Questions.
Any questions regarding the West Nile Virus Program in Perry County can be directed to the:
Perry County West Nile Virus Program Coordinator at 717-582-8988 ext. 4
Other Sources of Information
• PA Department of Environmental Protection
• PA Department of Health
1-(877)-PA-HEALTH (724-3258)