West Nile virus has emerged in recent years in Europe and North America, presenting a threat to public health, equine health, and since 1999, the health of bird populations. The most serious manifestation of infection is fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in humans and horses, as well as mortality in certain domestic and wild birds. In the United States, the virus has been documented in New York, Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Vermont.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling live or dead infected birds. However, avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animals, including dead birds. Use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass in a garbage can. In addition, there is no documented evidence of person-to-person, animal-to-animal, or animal-to-person transmission of West Nile virus.

The most effective way to combat the West Nile virus is to target colonies of infected mosquitoes. People who are worried about the virus should follow this advice:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outside between dusk and dawn.
• Consider using insect repellent if you live in a wet, low-lying area where mosquitoes might breed.
• Use insect repellents sparingly and cautiously (this means never spraying repellents on children. under the age of three or on the hands of children who might put their hands in their mouths).
• Get rid of standing water around your house—mosquitoes might breed there.
• Remember that birds cannot infect you with the West Nile virus. You can only be infected by a mosquito that is carrying the disease. However, avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animal, including dead birds; use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass in a garbage can.

In Maryland, a toll free hotline is available 24-hours a day for citizens to report suspicious bird deaths. Maryland citizens are asked to contact the hotline at 888-584-3110 if they find a dead crow, or significant numbers of dead birds of other species, and there is no apparent reason for the birds' deaths. Other states may have similar hotlines. Check with your state public health department for more information. Information on West Nile Virus in Vermont is available at http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/wnv/wnv.aspx.

For more information about the West Nile Virus, visit the following Web sites:

CDC West Nile Virus Homepage:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/

AVMA Suggestions for Protecting Animals from the West Nile Virus:
http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/sep00/s090100x.asp

USDA - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - West Nile Virus Information:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ceah/ncahs/nsu/surveillance/wnv/wnv.htm