May 26, 2009 - The Health Unit has discontinued the dead bird collection program and phone line service, known as the Crow Line, as the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) will no longer be conducting a West Nile virus (WNV) dead bird surveillance program. 

Information collected by provincial health unit surveillance programs over the past few years has confirmed when and where the virus will most likely appear; dead corvids (crow family) are no longer needed as an early indicator of WNV. However, the province will continue to use mosquito identification as an indicator to determine the human health risk of WNV in the province.

The Health Unit will continue mosquito trapping in the Thunder Bay District. The mosquitoes will be sent for identification and viral testing to determine if the species present in our area are the types that can spread WNV and whether they are carrying the virus.

Several species have the potential to carry the WNV but only 0.6 per cent (0.6%; less than one per cent) of the mosquitoes tested in the Thunder Bay District in 2008 were the species (Culex restuans) that are able to transmit the WNV to birds and to humans.

Although a 2008 report concluded the risk of West Nile virus in the Thunder Bay District is low, two human cases were reported in 2007 with one case acquired locally. The Health Unit encourages the public to take the following actions to protect themselves from mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellants with DEET or other approved ingredients (follow Health Canada guidelines for applying; visit www.tbdhu.com/id for more information).
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and a hat.
• Wear light coloured clothing.
• Get rid of standing water around homes and camps.
• Make sure that door and window screens fit tightly.

If the public finds a dead wild bird, they can call the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre to find out if the Centre wants to collect and test the bird. The Centre can be reached toll free at  1-866-673-4781.

It is important to handle dead wild birds with care as they can carry other infections like Salmonella or Campylobacter.  To get rid of a dead wild bird:

• Use gloves or the inside of a plastic bag to pick up the bird.
• Place the bird in a second bag and get rid of it in the garbage.
• Take off gloves carefully, get rid of them and wash hands with soap and water right away.

 -END-