Publications

Alberta West Nile virus wild bird surveillance

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.

Updated

August 15, 2009

Tags
West Nile virus birds corvids crows

Title and publication information

Type
Report
Alternative Title

West Nile virus - Alberta Fish and Wildlife bird testing

Frequency

Other

Publisher / Creator Information

Creator
Publisher

Sustainable Resource Development (2001-2006, 2006-2013)

Place of Publication

Edmonton

Subject Information

Topic
Environment
Start Date

2002-01-01

End Date

2009-12-31

Resource Dates

Date Created

2002-12-11

Date Added

2016-03-17T20:36:19.230869

Date Modified

2009-08-15

Date Issued

2002-12-11

Audience information

Identifiers

NEOS catalogue key

3454158

Usage / Licence

Contact

Contact Name

Environment and Parks