OLEAN – The Cattaraugus County Health Department (CCHD) says it
will still report sightings of dead birds to the state health
officials to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus. However, dead
bird specimens will no longer be picked up or submitted for
analysis.

The CCHD will still accept calls to report sightings of dead
birds. County health officials say residents should be careful when
dealing with dead birds.

“If you need to personally dispose of a dead bird, treat it like
any other dead animal – do not touch it with bare hands. It may be
buried or placed in household garbage for disposal,” CCHD staff
say.

The CCHD issues the following advice on ways to reduce your risk
of being infected with West Nile Virus:

• Minimize outdoor activities during dawn and dusk hours when
mosquitoes are most active;

• Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirt when
outdoors for long periods of time;

• Reduce the possible breeding pools in your yard by eliminating
any stagnant water, i.e. birdbaths, pool covers, roof gutters;

• Consider the use of mosquito repellent according to
manufacturer’s directions.

The CCHD also gave advice to county residents for preventing
mosquitoes from becoming a problem on their properties:

• Because mosquitoes need stagnant standing water to lay eggs,
check your property and remove any water holding containers,
especially old tires, cans, buckets, drums, wheelbarrows, etc.;

• Drain water in birdbaths, plant pots and drip trays twice a
week;

• Remove standing water from your basement;

• Keep drains, culverts, ponds and streams on your property
clean of weeds and trash;

• Clean roof gutters and remove standing water from flat
roofs;

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot
tub covers; should disinfect cover with bleach to kill larvae and
eggs;

• Drill holes in bottoms of recycling bins and other containers
kept outdoors.

The CCHD reminds residents that it will also accept calls to
report abandoned swimming pools or other property nuisances, such
as old tires, that may be a breeding haven for mosquitoes.

Health officials also have a reminder for those choosing to use
mosquito “dunks.” In accordance with state regulations, dunks may
only be applied on personal property in artificial containers, such
as swimming pools. Users of dunks must strictly follow all
manufacturer label instructions. Dunks may be purchased locally at
Wal-Mart, McNamara’s, Agway, Worth W. Smith, and McCormack’s
Hardware (Gowanda).

Questions and/or complaints may be called in to the CCHD at
373-8050 or 800-251-2584. Please ask for the Environmental Division
at extension 3386.