More birds with West Nile found in county More birds with West Nile found in county (August 13, 2004)

Birds infected with West Nile Virus have been found throughout Santa Clara County from Sunnyvale to Gilroy, county officials announced last week.

A total of six birds have tested positive for the virus in the county, which has killed a total of two people in the state, both in Southern California, since late June.

Four Cooper's Hawks, one in Sunnyvale, one in Santa Clara and two in San Jose along with two House Finches, one in Campbell and one in Gilroy have been confirmed as carriers of the virus by scientists at the University of California at Davis. A total of eight birds have been confirmed as virus carriers since July 21.

The numbers of birds found carrying the virus are likely to grow between now and October, according to Santa Clara County Vector Control District spokesman Russ Parman.

A warm fall in the county could prolong the period when the virus-carrying mosquito is active, according to Parman.

No mosquitoes, humans or horses, which are especially susceptible to the virus, have been reported to date with the virus in Santa Clara County or any surrounding counties.

County officials are urging residents to help stop the spread of the virus by eliminating standing water, which can support mosquito breeding.

"Residents can help us fight the battle against West Nile Virus by checking their own back yards for any standing water, and then dumping or draining it will help reduce the transmitter of WNV, the mosquito,'' Vector Control District Resource Specialist Kriss Costa said.

County residents are asked to call the Vector Control District if they find crows, jays, sparrows, finches or birds of prey that appear to have been dead less than 48 hours and have no obvious signs of injury. Residents should call the district at (408) 792-5010 or the state's Dead Bird Hotline at (877) 968-2473.

-- Bay City News

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