The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Manitoba's West Nile Virus (WNV) Corvid Surveillance program will begin May 5, 2004. The public will be asked to report dead birds from the crow family (corvids) to 1-888-315-9257, including crows, blue jays, magpies and ravens. If conditions are appropriate, arrangements will be made to pick up the bird. Dead birds from the crow family provide the first indication of the presence of West Nile virus in an area. The 2004 surveillance program includes mapping and sampling for Culex mosquito larvae and corvid, adult mosquito, equine and human surveillance. At this time of year, the risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying WNV is considered negligible. Depending on weather conditions, Culex tarsalis, the primary mosquito responsible for human infection with WNV, does not usually begin to appear until June. Updated information on the risk of WNV will be provided to the public throughout the summer. The risk of WNV varies from year to year is based on several factors which include infected bird populations, mosquito populations, mosquito infection rates, precipitation and temperature. The greatest risk for being bitten by WNV infected mosquitoes in Manitoba is during July, August and September.
