January 08, 2004

By: Jane Quinn
Website: http://www.1st-in-mosquito-control.com

Oregon zoo vaccinates birds of prey for West Nile Virus

With West Nile virus (WNV) now in Washington state and experts predicting its arrival in Oregon this spring, Oregon Zoo veterinarians are beginning to vaccinate animals, which are susceptible to the virus.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the zoo will vaccinate its birds of prey and other susceptible bird species with the WNV equine vaccine, which is believed to lessen the severity of the virus. "We know West Nile is coming to our region," said zoo Veterinarian Dr. Mitch Finnegan. "We have an important collection of birds and other animals that we're doing all we can to protect."

The vaccinations will take place one-day prior to a West Nile virus workshop, featuring public health and conservation experts from around the country. The workshop, slated for Thursday, Jan. 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the zoo, will provide current WNV information and bring the health and conservation communities together in order to develop an effective and ecologically sound plan to combat the virus.
The zoo will next vaccinate its zebras with the equine vaccine. A prioritized list of all animals that will be vaccinated is currently being prepared.

"Our goal is to provide the safest and most comfortable environment for our animals," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "We're working with state and local officials to help minimize the impact."
The zoo is also preparing protocols for mosquito abatement. Abatement efforts include eliminating mosquito habitat such as standing water; cutting back vegetation throughout the zoo's 64 acres; setting mosquito traps; applying environmentally-safe insecticides and larvicides around grounds; and pre-screening birds from other zoos.

In an effort to detect the virus early, the Oregon Zoo is working collaboratively with local and state public health organizations. The zoo is also participating in surveillance activities along with accredited zoos around the country.

Surveillance activities entail monitoring the grounds for dead or sick wild birds and other mammals, testing all dead animals found on grounds, and reporting tissue samplings to the surveillance network.
WNV was first detected in the United States in 1999 and has been detected in 42 states. The virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can be devastating to wildlife, especially corvids, which include ravens, crows, jays, magpies, and nutcrackers. The virus can also infect humans, horses and other mammals.

On Oct. 2, 2002, the Washington State Department of Health announced the state's first case of a dead bird detected with the virus. For more information about WNV, pet and horse owners should contact their veterinarian or visit The American Veterinary Medical Association.

Also see: west nile virus spread

Author Notes:

Jane Quinn contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-mosquito-control.com.  Find mosquito control products, repellent sprays, traps, netting and other alternative measures for protection.