ABOUT
West Nile virus (WNV) is an arbovirus (arthropod borne virus) transmitted by mosquitoes and was first identified in the 1930s in Uganda. In 1999, WNV infections were observed in humans and birds in New York City. Since then, WNV has spread to all states in the continental United States. WNV is not commonly reported in West Virginia residents; however, routine mosquito surveillance in a few West Virginia counties regularly detects the presence of WNV in mosquitoes.
COMMUNITY
- Fact Sheet
- Birds and West Nile Virus
- CDC Information: West Nile Virus
- Prevention Information
- West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Contacts
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Report within ONE WEEK to the local health department.
LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
BIRD RESOURCES
All species of wild birds which are freshly dead (less than 24 hours old) are targeted for active surveillance. Poultry (domestic chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese and guinea fowl) and pet birds will not be submitted for testing. Use the websites below to aid in identifying wild birds.
- USGS Guide to Handling Birds
- Patuxent Bird Identification Info Center
- USGS National Wildlife Health Center
- USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center's Bird ID InfoCenter(Go directly to: American Crow | Blue Jay | Red-tailed Hawk)
