West Nile virus found in birds in Mount Hermon, at Summit

Two dead birds that appear to have died from exposure to the West Nile virus were found in Mount Hermon and the Summit area of Santa Cruz County at the end of June.
The birds were the first two found infected by the virus in the county this season.
The first, a chestnut-backed chickadee, was discovered dead in Mount Hermon and delivered to the Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector control office June 21.
The second bird, a Steller’s jay, was found June 23 by people living in the Summit area.
Last year, only one dead bird was found in the county, and in 2008, three were found.
West Nile virus is a potentially deadly disease carried by mosquitoes. To combat its spread, mosquito control officials hope to limit standing water where the biting insects breed.
“Our technicians conducted a surveillance of the areas and didn’t find any particularly big (mosquito) breeding areas,” said Paul Binding, mosquito and vector control manager.
Binding said the infected birds might have migrated from Santa Clara County or been bitten by carrier mosquitoes in Santa Cruz County.
According to state records, Santa Clara County has had 19 bird deaths in 2010 of the 40 reported statewide, by far the most in the state this year. There have been no reported human cases.
Binding said that in Santa Cruz, his agency continues to capture live mosquitoes for testing and test flocks of chickens for the virus. He urged homeowners to drain standing water in their yards and septic tanks to avoid mosquito breeding, while also shielding themselves from bites with insect repellents and long clothing.
“There’s plenty of warm days ahead,” Binding said. “It’s important that people protect themselves at dusk and dawn.”
At a glance
WHAT: The Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control office will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 17 at 640 Capitola Road in Santa Cruz to talk about services and make suggestions. Food will be provided. For information: 464-9161