Three more were found in Studio City this past week, and three were found in Sherman Oaks testing positive for the West Nile Virus, according to the Los Angeles County Vector Control District.
Earlier this week, Ray Bishop of Tarzana, contacted Patch and asked, "I saw a dead bird on my patio in Tarzana. First time I have seen such a thing in 30 years at this home. What should I do? Will someone want to come to test it?" The answer is "Yes." Use gloves or a plastic bag to wrap it up, and call (562) 944-9656.
The American Crow is the most commonly-found bird carrying the virus, as well as the Western Scrub Jay, the House Finch and the American Robin. This year, 18 species of birds were found with the virus (listed here).
Two dead birds testing positive were found in Chatsworth, one in Northridge, Canoga Park, Sun Valley, West Hills and Van Nuys.
This is the first time this year that incidents of West Nile was found in Sun Valley, Canyon Country and Canoga Park.
In 2010, more dead birds with the virus tested positive in Northridge, and in 2009, the hot spots were Van Nuys and Valley Village.
No birds with West Nile Virus were found in Studio City in the past two years.
Crystal Brown, the public information officer of the vector control district said, "The mosquito season is not over. Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer vaction, but the West Nile virus will continue to be a threat as long as the temperatures remain high."
This past week, the Vector Control District found 23 more West Nile virus positive dead birds, 29 positive mosquito samples and six sentinel chickens showing virus antibodies. The chickens were mostly found in the Sepulveda Basin, 91436 ZIP code area.
City or Community
Zip Code(s)
Number of WNV+
dead birds collected
Bellflower
90706
1
Canoga Park
91303
1
Cerritos
90703
2
Chatsworth
91311
2
Diamond Bar
91765
1
Hacienda Heights
91745
1
Lakewood
90712
1
Northridge
91325
1
Pico Rivera
90660
1
Sherman Oaks
91403, 91423
3
Studio City
91604
3
Sun Valley
91352
1
Van Nuys
91411
1
West Hills
91307
1
Whittier
90602, 90606
2
Winnetka
91306
1
Another way that the Vector Control district monitors the incidents of West Nile Virus is through mosquito traps that are put out in the areea.
Of the 29 mosquito samples testing positive for the West Nile Virus in the Los Angeles area, 10 were found in the San Fernando Valley this past week. Two were in Burbank and Encino, one in Studio City.
Here is the chart:
City or Community
Zip Code(s)
Number of WNV+
mosquito samples collected
Burbank
91505
2
Canyon Country
91387
1
Cerritos
90703
3
Chatsworth
91311
1
Diamond Bar
91765
2
Encino
91436
2
Granada Hills
91344
1
Newhall
91321
2
Norwalk
90650
2
Panorama City
91402
1
Pico Rivera
90660
8
Rowland Heights
91748
1
South El Monte
91733
1
Studio City
91604
1
Woodland Hills
91367
1
Residents can be proactive and follow the 3 D's of West Nile virus prevention to help stop the transmission of West Nile virus:
1. Dump/Drain - Eliminate standing water because that's where mosquitoes breed.
2. Dusk/Dawn - Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.
3. Defend - Wear insect repellent containing EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin or Lemon Eucalyptus Oil and long-sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors. Use properly-fitted screens free from tears on windows and doors around your home to keep mosquitoes out.
For more information about West Nile virus and our vector control services, call (562) 944-9656 or visit www.glacvcd.org.
For statewide information and statistics about West Nile virus, or to report a dead bird or squirrel, visit www.westnile.ca.gov or call 1-877-WNV BIRD.
Click here for information on the easiest ways to free your house of mosquitoes.
