Bird Infected With West Nile Discovered In Novato; First This Year In Marin Co.

The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District announced Friday it has discovered the first sign of West Nile Virus in Marin County this year.

District officials confirmed an infected American crow was collected near Dusel Ct. in Novato.

In Sonoma County, the MSMVCD confirmed on May 15 finding the first dead birds infected with West Nile virus (WNv) in 2015. Two dead American crows were collected from Windsor, in the vicinity of Gumview Road.

“Dead birds can be our first indicators of virus in an area and a valuable tool for protecting public health,” according to Sarah Brooks, lead Biologist for the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Vector control technicians will continue to trap, test and monitor adult mosquitoes in the area and perform control operations as necessary, according to district officials.

“As we enter another year plagued by drought, the District is concerned about a potential increase in West Nile virus activity,” stated Nizza Sequeira, Public Relations Director for the District. “During a drought, large numbers of both mosquitoes and birds congregate near limited water sources, thus increasing the probability of virus transmission,” stated Sequeira.

Residents are advised to help reduce mosquito production by removing standing water in their yards on a regular basis.

To report dead birds, residents can call the West Nile Virus hotline at (877) 968-2473.

--Bay City News contributed to this report/Shutterstock image