More Contra Costa Co. Chickens Test Positive For West Nile Virus

West Nile virus has been discovered in chickens in east Contra Costa County, according to the county Mosquito & Vector Control District. The district maintains five flocks of chickens throughout the county for early warnings of West Nile virus. The chickens’ blood is sampled bi-weekly to determine if they have been exposed to the virus, according to the district.

Chickens do not get sick or die from West Nile virus but develop antibodies that can be detected in their blood.

On Thursday the district said it found West Nile virus in four chickens kept in an area east of Knightsen. It brings the total number of chickens where West Nile has been detected this year to six, according to the district. In addition to the chickens, another bird as well as two groups of mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus this year.

Two people died from the disease in 2006 and a total of 54 cases have been reported in Contra Costa County since 2005. But county health officials believe there have been more cases but most are undiagnosed and unreported. Residents are asked to keep mosquitoes to a minimum by dumping or draining standing water.

Neglected swimming pools can be reported at (925) 771-6195 and dead birds can be reported to (877) 698-2473.

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• First West Nile Virus Death Of 2015 Confirmed In California
• First Two Chickens Of Year Test Positive For West Nile In Contra Costa Co.

--Bay City News

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