West Nile Virus In Dead Birds Found In Arcadia, Covina
WEST COVINA (CBSLA.com) — Three dead crows collected last week in the San Gabriel Valley have tested postive for West Nile virus, according to officials.
KNX 1070's Jon Baird reports San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control (SGVMVC) confirmed the birds found in Arcadia and Covina brought the total number of infected birds found in the area this year to four.
West Nile Virus In Dead Birds Found In Arcadia, Covina
A dead bird infected with West Nile found in June was the first case of 2013 in the Valley, according to Vector Control officials.
No infected mosquitos have been found in the area, officials said.
Kelly Middleton with SGVMVC said the discovery may signal an uptick in local West Nile activity.
"When we start to see crows and other birds dying of West Nile virus, it's an indication to us that it's circulating within the environment," Middleton said.
While West Nile virus is present in the Valley every year, the level of infection in 2013 is about on par with last year but lower than levels from before that, according to reports.
Residents of the San Gabriel Valley were urged to dispose of any accumulated rainwater on their property and asked to contact Vector Control officials to report "green" inoperable swimming pools or non-functional ponds and fountains.
