McKean County Conservation District - West Nile Virus
Contact: Heather McKean – 814-887-4003 - Click here to email
West Nile Virus Control Program
In 1999, WNV was detected for the first time in the United States in New York City. This led to the startup of a multi-agency network for West Nile Virus surveillance and prevention in Pennsylvania. The County through Penn State Extension has participated in the state-funded West Nile Virus (WNV) Program since 2000 when Pennsylvania started its program. The McKean County Conservation District will begin implementation of the program in 2007.
Presently, the West Nile Virus Control Program is designed to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus. An integrated mosquito management (IMM) program is the most effective way to prevent and control mosquito-borne disease. Such a program includes the following: surveillance, the reduction of mosquito breeding sites, community outreach and public education, and the ability to use chemical and biological methods to control both mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes. Control measures, including the use of chemical adulticides, are based on surveillance data and the risk of human disease. The WNV control program runs from early April to late October, which coincides with the active mosquito season. WNV is typically transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Surveillance
The purpose of mosquito surveillance is to monitor levels of mosquito activity and where virus transmission is or could be occurring. The county program coordinator will collect adult and larval samples at least twice a week from April through October,at various sites throughout McKean County. Collected samples are sent to DEP in Harrisburg for identification and testing.
Types of mosquito traps pictured below. If you see these important surveillance tools in your community, please do not disturb them.
Dead Birds Should Be Reported to our Office
McKean County Conservation District (814) 887-4003
Birds can be an important WNV indicator. The WNV Program Coordinators can collect 5 birds (only Corvids, Raptors and Blue Jays) per week from each county for testing from May 1 to October 31. Any dead bird without an obvious cause of death and has been dead less than 48 hours should be reported for tracking purposes and may be eligible for virus testing. To report a dead bird call the Conservation District @ 887-4003 or log onto www.westnile.state.pa.us for instructions. It is extremely important not to touch a dead bird with your bare hands! Instead use gloves,a shovel, or a plastic bag when handling a dead bird!
Help Fight Mosquitoes!
• Empty containers that collect and hold water (including tires, tin cans, buckets, tarps, etc.)
• Empty & change water in bird baths, flower pot trays, cemetery urns, pet dishes, rain barrels, and wading pools
• Clean debris from rain gutters & keep swimming pools treated and circulating
• Drain or fill puddles with dirt
• Stock ornamental ponds with fish which will consume mosquito larvae
• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET when necessary and follow label directions and precautions carefully, especially with children
• Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight”
• Horse Owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarian for more information on the Equine WNV Vaccine
*REMEMBER WATER SITTING LONGER THAN 4 DAYS CAN PRODUCE MOSQUITOES!*
Other Sources of Information
• PA Department of Environmental Protection http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/
• PA Department of Health http://www.health.state.pa.us 1-(877)-PA-HEALTH (724-3258)
• Penn State Pesticide Education Program http://www.pested.psu.edu/spWestNile.html
• Center for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
• Mid-Atlantic Mosquito Control Association http://www.mamca.org
• National Audubon Society http://www.audubon.org/bird/wnv