Blood tested in healthy birds can help determine if antibodies are developing against West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Multiple agencies assist with the testing of wild birds already captured for other reasons and of chickens placed in areas where the virus may first appear. Suspected human cases will be reported to the local health department for an investigation and appropriate testing. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also has alerted the veterinary community to be aware of the potential for West Nile virus. Any suspected cases in animals other than birds should be reported to the closest Regional Animal Health Laboratory for testing and a complete investigation.
Horses are the most likely boarded animals to become infected with West Nile virus.
Similar to people, horses can become sick and die from the virus. Surveillance of Mosquitoes Selected localities collect, count and identify particular species of mosquitoes. The purpose of identifying the mosquitoes is to determine if the particular species capable of carrying the virus is appearing in Virginia. Selected mosquitoes in certain areas are then tested for West Nile virus. Controlling the mosquito population will be dependent on individual citizens and local government.