Collection of dead birds begins in Ocean County

Warmer spring weather may be welcomed by many persons this year. However, with the warming springtime weather and more frequent rainstorms comes the threat of exposure to West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne viral disease, according to an Ocean County Health Department spokesman.

Crows and blue jays, part of the corvid family of birds native to New Jersey, are especially susceptible to illness and death from WNV. Collecting and testing dead crows and blue jays is an important means of tracking and identifying WNV within the state.

According to health department spokesman Edward Rumen, the reporting and collecting of dead crows and blue jays by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services officially began April 16.

"The unseasonably cold weather these past few weeks has kept the mosquito population in check," Rumen said. "As the warmer weather starts to prevail, it won't be long before the mosquitoes are buzzing once again."

Rumen said residents can contact the health department at (732) 341-9700, ext. 7502 to report sick or dead crow or blue jay sightings. Callers should be prepared to report when they saw the bird and provide a detailed location.

Health department epidemiologist Jennifer Sklow said most human WNV infections produce no symptoms, or symptoms are mild or moderate and include fever, headache and body aches. These symptoms may be accompanied by skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

Sklow added, "Testing dead crows and blue jays for WNV is the best way to know where the virus is circulating and where additional mosquito control activities may be necessary."

"Locations of dead crows and blue jays that tested positive for WNV are always shared with the Ocean County Mosquito Commission to assist in mosquito control efforts," said Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Board of Health. "In past seasons, county residents have been very helpful in controlling the chance of the disease spreading here by calling the health department when a sick or dead crow or blue jay is found on their property."

Rumen said the collected dead birds are sent to the state lab for testing and the results shared with municipal officials.

"All dead bird locations are recorded and all reports are important. However, badly decomposed bird remains cannot be submitted for lab testing," Rumen said. "Residents should wear gloves and dispose of uncollected birds as regular trash."

The health department spokesman offered the following tips for reducing the chances of exposure to disease-carrying mosquitoes:

+ Eliminate mosquito-breeding areas in your yard, including standing water in old tires, flower pots, buckets or other containers.

+ Keep your lawn mowed and your bushes trimmed.

+ Repair any holes in screens for windows and doors.

+ Clean debris from your roof gutters, so they drain properly.

+ Change the water frequently in wading pools and birdbaths.

+ Limit exposure to mosquitoes by staying indoors during the hours of dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

+ If you do venture outdoors during those hours, wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants.

+ Apply mosquito repellant before working outdoors.

For more information on West Nile virus, including photos of crows, which are very large black birds with black eyes, see the Ocean County Health Department Internet Web site at www.ochd.org or visit the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Internet Web site at www.state.nj.us/health for additional information.