JACKSON, Wyo. — Mosquito season is back in full force, and humans aren’t the only ones feeling the sting. The team at Teton County Weed & Pest (TCWP) is tracking potential cases of mosquito-borne West Nile Virus (WNV) by studying dead birds in the area.
TCWP is requesting that the public visit its revamped website to report dead bird sightings, as birds can be both victims and hosts of WNV. If a local comes upon a bird that has died from seemingly natural causes (not obviously car or animal-related, for instance), they are encouraged to fill out TCWP’s “Report Dead Bird” online form.
“Here in Teton County we have the Culex tarsalis species of mosquito that can transmit the virus to mammals—birds and humans alike,” TCWP posted on Instagram. “So, when you report a dead bird on our website, we can come test the bird to see if it tests positive for WNV. These tests give us an idea of the level of West Nile Virus activity in our county—and then we can shift our mosquito surveillance and control to areas where we’re finding WNV-positive birds. Help us, help you!”
To report a deceased bird, please fill out this form on TCWP’s website.
See Buckrail‘s previous mosquito safety coverage for tips on avoiding bites this summer.
