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Alberta West Nile virus wild bird surveillance

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However, since dead bird surveillance was initiated in Alberta, a great deal has been learned on WNv activity. We now know that suitable conditions for WNv are limited largely to the Grassland... More ≫

Description

However, since dead bird surveillance was initiated in Alberta, a great deal has been learned on WNv activity. We now know that suitable conditions for WNv are limited largely to the Grassland Natural Region of southeastern Alberta where conditions are most favourable for development of Culex tarsalis. In addition, the number of dead corvids each summer has declined significantly since WNv first appeared, although the populations of crows and magpies did not decline. It is likely that crows and magpies, as well as all the other birds species exposed to WNv, adapted to the presence of WNv in the ecosystem and developed protective immunity. The monitoring of dead birds was discontinued in 2007 because it no longer provided new information about WNv; however testing is conducted on suspect cases as a response to public concern.

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West Nile virus in Alberta : what happened in 2004??

Description

The story of West Nile virus in North America is a very recent one. The virus arrived in New York in 1999 and established populations in migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway. it then... More ≫

Description

The story of West Nile virus in North America is a very recent one. The virus arrived in New York in 1999 and established populations in migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway. it then systematically increased its population and spread to birds on the other primary migration pathways, moving steadily westward to the Mississippi, Central and by 2004, the Pacific Flyway. The virus infects birds of many species without causing visible illness, but cases fatal infections in Corvidae (crows, jays and their relatives). It can occasionally spill over and infect horses and humans, and can cause rare fatal results.

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