CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – New Hampshire officials are finding fewer birds dying from West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis.
“It seems like we’re not finding the same number of birds as we used to,” said Jason Stull, state public health veterinarian. “The predominant theory is the birds are developing antibodies to the disease and are not dying as much.”
Michael Morrison, owner of Municipal Pest Management, said he’s noticed it too.
In past years, officials might see up to 20 dead crows a week in some towns, he said. “There’s not a catastrophic loss of birds anymore. … Birds are just not dropping like they used to. They’ve adapted,” he said.
Stull said the birds can’t be used to pinpoint the virus’s location because most don’t die immediately and can travel away from the infection site.
Mosquito test pools are considered the more accurate indicator of West Nile and Triple E, and in tracking and learning about the diseases and the different carriers.
But while there are fewer dead birds, the diseases are as prevalent as ever, according to Morrison and Stull. Mosquito test pools in Newton and Brentwood have tested positive for Triple E this year – the first in the state.
“I’m kind of disappointed. I really thought they would taper off and go away for a little while,” said Morrison, whose company does mosquito spraying for communities in New Hampshire and Maine. “I think we’ll always be dealing with this. It may taper off some years, but it will probably always be here.”
Outgoing Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen said no one contracted Triple E last year and he hopes that will continue as people become more educated and avoid getting bitten.
“We want people to go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather, but we want to make sure people are taking the proper preventive measures, especially in the Seacoast and Rockingham County,” Stephen said.
As in past years, the first positive test came in late July. Tests will continue until the first frost in October.
Morrison said nearly all Rockingham County towns have a mosquito-surveillance program.
and do larvicide or adulticide treatment at some point.
The state has also funded mosquito-spraying programs for municipalities and provided technical assistance. More than $86,500 was distributed to Rockingham County towns and cities last year in reimbursement and even more will be reimbursed in 2007.
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