Four More Birds Test Positive for West Nile

 

The Westchester County Department of Health has been notified by the New York State Health Department that four additional birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. These include a blue jay from Somers, a blue jay from Rye, a blue jay from Scarsdale, and a crow from Purchase. In keeping with the County policy of ground spraying in communities contiguous to infected birds, plans are being made with municipal officials to develop a spraying schedule for mosquitoes in these areas.

The Westchester County Department of Health has been notified by the New York State Health Department that four additional birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. These include a blue jay from Somers, a blue jay from Rye, a blue jay from Scarsdale, and a crow from Purchase. In keeping with the County policy of ground spraying in communities contiguous to infected birds, plans are being made with municipal officials to develop a spraying schedule for mosquitoes in these areas.

 At this time, tentative plans for spraying are being made for Tuesday, July 25, 2000 from 11:30 pm to 4:30 am for the following communities: Yonkers, Greenburgh (unincorpated portion), Village of Ardsley, White Plains, City of Rye, Harrison, Mamaroneck Village, North Salem, and Somers. These plans are subject to the weather and to the availability of vehicles from the contractor that is conducting mosquito spraying activities in Westchester, portions of New York City and Rockland County. Final confirmation of plans will be made by the morning of Monday, July 24, 2000.

The ground spraying will be conducted by trucks that are equipped with foggers. The spray is released in a fog that diffuses 300 feet from the truck. Municipal officials will be arranging for local police to escort the ground spraying crews during application to ensure that all neighborhoods are adequately covered.

The ground spraying will be done with Anvil (sumethrin), a synthetic pyrethroid similar to the natural pyrethrins that occur in chrysanthemums. This is the same pesticide that has been used in previous ground spraying. It is among the least toxic pesticides available for this purpose. For more information on pesticides, visit our website at www.westchestergov.com/health or call the West Nile Virus Information Line at (914) 637-2420.

Updated information on mosquito spraying can also be found on the Health Department’s website www.westchestergov.com/health and on the West Nile Virus Hotline which can be reached by calling (914) 637-2420.