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A dead bird collected in Atherton has tested positive for West Nile virus, according to a town news alert.
This is the 12th dead bird that has tested positive for West Nile virus in San Mateo County this year, according to the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District. Seven of those birds were collected in Menlo Park, two were collected in Foster City, one was collected in San Carlos and one was collected in San Mateo.
Nearby Palo Alto, which is in Santa Clara County, has had 31 dead birds test positive for the virus, according to data from the California Department of Public Health’s Vector-Borne Disease section.
“The District is currently collecting and will be testing mosquitoes in the area for West Nile virus,” said Rachel Curtis-Robles, the Vector Control District’s public health education and outreach officer. “At this time, risk is still considered low; if we find West Nile virus in mosquitoes in the area, we will alert the public.”
The bird that was collected in Atherton was an American crow, according to the Vector Control District. Corvids like crows and ravens are particularly vulnerable to the effects of West Nile virus.
California Public Health Department data shows there have been no positive human cases, horse cases, or cases detected in mosquitoes in San Mateo County.
“If mosquitoes are positive for West Nile virus, this indicates a local threat to public health, and additional mosquito control actions would be pursued,” said Curtis-Robles. “Our staff have been setting extra mosquito traps in the area the past few days and will be testing mosquitoes collected in those traps for West Nile virus.”
The Vector Control District urges residents to report dead birds, dump standing water on their properties, use an EPA-registered insect repellent, and report biting mosquitoes in the area.
“We’d like to remind everyone to check their property for standing water where mosquitoes can breed,” said Curtis-Robles. “Dumping standing water is a key action for residents to take to reduce mosquitoes in their area. In cases where the water is unable to be dumped or drained, we would like people to report standing water so that our staff can assess the situation and determine how best to control mosquito breeding.”
Dead birds can be reported at 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473). Learn more about West Nile virus activity in California at westnile.ca.gov.
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