NLIS 3
October 5, 2001
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)
(Health and Community Services)

 

West Nile Virus surveillance program concludes

The provincial government's West Nile Virus surveillance program has concluded for this year. This is the second year that the provincial departments of Health and Community Services and Forest Resources and Agrifoods participated in a national coordinated surveillance effort to monitor the presence of the West Nile Virus during the mosquito season.

Dr. Hugh Whitney, provincial veterinarian with the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, said this year's program involved the collection and examination of dead birds from the crow family (crows, blue jays and grey jays), as well as the identification of various mosquito species to determine if our province has those species responsible for spreading the disease.

"We examined 47 crows, nine ravens and four blue jays over the summer and there was no sign of the disease. The mosquitos identified were not amongst the species considered to be important for the maintenance and spread of the West Nile Virus," said Dr. Whitney.

He added that although the risk of the West Nile Virus entering Newfoundland and Labrador is extremely low, the province is pleased to be part of the surveillance program as a precautionary measure. 

Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health, said: "This year, the virus has only been seen in animals in Ontario with no current reports of human illness in Canada."

In the United States, the West Nile Virus has continued to spread from the northeastern states southwards and westwards.

Officials wish to thank the public for calling in reports of dead or sick crows, ravens, bluejays or gray jays this summer. Although the 2001 program has ended, the public is still encouraged to continue reporting any abnormal deaths in birds or other wildlife to their local conservation officer, as this can help with the monitoring efforts of other diseases as well.

Results of this year's West Nile Virus surveillance program in Canada and the U.S. will be reviewed over the winter at which time plans will be made for next year's program.

Media contact: Dr. Hugh Whitney, Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 729-6879.

2001 10 05                            11:20 a.m.


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