“This is a good reminder to people that we will be seeing more dead birds as the virus continues its move into northern California,” stated Lloyd Douglass, manager of the Eastside Mosquito Abatement District.

David Jones, public information officer for the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, reminded people that dead birds are not to be feared, although they should be handled safely. The birds don’t transmit the disease to humans.

“People need to remember that West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito,” Jones stated.

“People need to continue to use the state’s dead bird hotline to report dead birds,” Jones continued. The state hotline is 1-877-WNV-BIRD, although state officials are requesting people to send notice of dead birds via through their Web site at www.westnile.ca.gov when possible. The hotline serves as part of an early warning system for detecting the presence and intensity of the virus.

“After the public has reported a dead bird to the state hotline, it the state has not had it picked up by 5 p.m. of the day it was reported, people should safely double bag the bird in garbage bags, tie the bags and place them in a secure trash container. They should handle the birds safely like they would any dead animal,” said Jones.

Jones also reminded residents of Stanislaus County that there are things they can do to help prevent the spread of the virus.

• Drain standing water from old tires, buckets, cans or flower
• Avoid being outdoors during times of peak mosquito activity hours (between dusk and dawn)
• Use repellants containing DEET. Always follow the instructions, especially when applying repellant to children.
• Dress appropriately. Wear long sleeves and pants during when possible.
• Fix broken screens on windows and doors so mosquitoes can’t get in.

Stanislaus County has a hotline with recorded information at 558-8425. Information is available on the web at www.hsahealth.org.