La Salle County collects dead birds to test for West Nile – Shaw Local

The La Salle County Health Department has begun collecting dead crows, blue jays and robins and will continue the process through October 15th.

Dead birds are important sentinels for early detection of West Nile virus activity. West Nile virus generally occurs in birds and mosquitoes before being transmitted to humans. Over the past 20 years, West Nile virus activity has been documented throughout La Salle County. If you find a dead bird, contact the Department of Health’s Environmental Health Division at 815-433-3366. Below are the criteria the health department uses to determine whether a bird is eligible for testing:

The bird is dead and the carcass is in good condition. Birds should be dead for less than 48 hours before collection and should not have started decomposing (no strong odor, no flatulence, no maggots, eyes not drained or dried).

The bird has no apparent cause of death. Birds with obvious injuries such as wounds or missing parts should not be submitted for examination. Crushed carcasses and birds found along roads are unacceptable.

The bird must be suitable for the test. Currently, the health department only collects crows, blue jays and robins. To identify the species of bird, visit https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/west-nile-virus/dead-bird-collection for bird identification information.

As in previous years, Health Department staff are preparing to test mosquitoes for West Nile virus. Equipment for collecting and testing mosquitoes was purchased with grant money. The health department also uses funding to purchase a large quantity of mosquito larvicide, which is used to treat potential mosquito breeding sites. The larvicide is distributed to licensed mosquito control operators from local communities and villages throughout the county.

In addition, the health department offers larvicides through a grant to property owners who want to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Property owners are advised to pick up a Natular DT package. Natular DT is a mosquito larvicide that controls mosquito larvae for up to 60 days. Manufactured by Clarke, Natular DT is an easy-to-use, two-layer tablet that prevents mosquitoes from breeding on stagnant water around the garden. The larvicide can be picked up at the Health Department, 717 Etna Road, Ottawa, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Each pack contains 12 tablets. At this time, Supplies are limited to one per household.

For more information about West Nile virus, contact the La Salle County Health Department at 815-433-3366 or visit www.lasallecountyil.gov.