LAPD News:
The Los Alamos Police Department’s (LAPD) Animal Control Unit has actually reacted to numerous require service associated to dead ravens and crows.
Approximately 7 reports have actually been made to the Los Alamos Consolidated Dispatch Center (CDC) of dead birds in the downtown and western location of Los Alamos over the previous week.
As a safety measure Los Alamos County Animal Control sent among the departed birds to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services on July 31 to test for the existence of West Nile Virus. The outcomes of the test were received on Aug. 3 and verified the existence of West Nile Virus.
Los Alamos County Emergency Management has actually touched with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management who are actively keeping an eye on the scenario.
According to the New Mexico Department of Health, there is no proof that West Nile Virus can be sent by touching a dead animal nevertheless, there are basic suggestions to secure yourself.
Deputy Police Chief Oliver Morris notifies the general public to utilize safety measures when getting rid of any departed birds or other wildlife in Los Alamos.
“Use gloves, a shovel, and a plastic bag to dispose dead animals,” Deputy Police Chief Morris said. “If you’re uncomfortable disposing of a dead animal or bird on your private property or you encounter a dead animal or bird in the park or open space, contact the Los Alamos County Dispatch Center at 505.662.8222. Animal Control Officers will be dispatched to respond to the situation.”
According to the New Mexico Department of Health website, “West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne illness that was initially seen in North America in 1999. The most severe symptom of West Nile Virus infection is deadly sleeping sickness (swelling of the brain) in human beings and horses, along with death in specific domestic and wild birds. Cases of West Nile Virus in New Mexico have actually taken place every year given that 2003.
“The danger of getting West Nile Virus can be lowered by:
- Using bug spray;
- Reducing the quantity of time invested outdoors at sunset and dawn when mosquitoes are most active;
- Having screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out; and
- Emptying or getting rid of water holding containers (where mosquitoes lay their eggs) such as tires, flower pots and pails.”
For present year-to-date information and maps of reported West Nile Virus cases, go to the CDC National Airborne Surveillance System (ArboNET), a nationwide arboviral monitoring system handled by CDC and state health departments.
