Health Department on lookout for West Nile

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The Red Willow County Health Department has begun this summer's West Nile virus Surveillance Program in the county and seeks the public's help in reporting dead birds. Surveillance efforts include trapping mosquitoes and receiving reports and/or collection of dead birds which are then submitted to the Nebraska West Nile virus Surveillance Program.

The health department relies on citizens to report and submit dead birds for testing.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. Reporting of dead birds is a good way to check for West Nile virus activity in the area. Use rubber gloves when picking up sick or dead animals.

If you do not have gloves, insert your hand into an inside-out plastic bag. Upon collection, place in a sealed plastic bag, and chill. Wash hands thoroughly.

Only birds which have been dead 24 hours or less are able to be received and submitted. Call the Red Willow County Health Department at (308) 345-1790 or 345-6130 to report or submit a dead bird. Further information may be obtained by visiting www.redwillowhealth.com