Summer 2000

One New County and Two Mosquito Pools Found Positive in New York had dead birds confirmed as positive for West Nile virus (WNV), bringing to five (5) the total number of counties with wild birds confirmed as positive for WNV. Two crows collected in the borough of Staten Island in New York City (Richmond County, NY) were both positive by PCR and IFA tests (dates of collection not yet known).

For the first time this season mosquito pools have tested positive to WNV. Two pools, both in New York, were positive on multiple PCR tests. One pool contained a mix of mosquito species and the other pool contained a species (Aedes japonicus) which had not previously been found positive for WNV in 1999 nor 2000. A. japonicus, a daytime feeder, was first recognized to be present in the Western Hemisphere in 1998 when it was found in Long Island, NY, and New Jersey.

There have been no other confirmed findings of positive mosquitoes, wild birds, sentinel chickens, humans, horses or any other animals in the United States since May 12000.

Maps of U.S. surveillance data regarding West Nile Virus are now available on the World Wide Web. APHIS' West Nile Virus website: APHIS

Mosquito control activities are under way in all West Nile Virus positive counties. The primary activities in each are larviciding and breeding source reduction. Adulticiding activities targeted at mosquitoes potentially carrying WNV will begin in areas of Suffolk County (including aerial spraying) and New York City (ground spraying only) on 19 July.

Confirmed or probable West Nile positive wild birds from May 1 to July 17, 2000:

New Jersey:

Bergen County (7 crows)

New York:

Richmond County (2 crows)

Rockland County (8 crows, 3 blue jays)

Suffolk County (3 crows)

Westchester County (1 crow, 1 red-tailed hawk)

To contact USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services Emergency Programs call 800-940-6524 or e-mail us at emoc@usda.gov