Residents in the Arts District are concerned about the West Nile Virus (WNV) threatening their neighborhood.
Over the weekend, three dead crows were discovered in the Helms neighborhood—two on Fay Avenue and one on McManus Avenue. Authorities have retrieved the birds for testing.
Resident Cliff Simon discovered another dying crow. It was unclear if the bird was infected with WNV and if this was the cause of his illness.
“The crows are dropping like flies,” said Simon. “I have seen several when I walk my dog in the neighborhood.”
Simon called animal control to come and retrieve the injured crow. There is a 72-hour window for pick up for live animals.
As a result of other animals testing positive for the disease, Simon felt it necessary to call Los Angeles County West Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Control. An agent was dispatched immediately and removed the dead animals. They also took the crow that was dying.
It is unclear whether these latest birds have the virus. According to a representative from Los Angeles County Disease Control, the test needs to be conducted within 24 hours of the animal’s death. Otherwise, the virus cannot be detected.
According to the Disease Control District, birds that are not in a condition to be tested can be disposed of in your normal weekly trash. It is important not to touch the animal.
Use a plastic garbage bag and insert your hand in the open end. Grab the dead bird and pull it into the garbage bag using an “outside-to-inside” pulling motion. Tie off the bag with the bird inside and place it in your regular trash for disposal.
According to the Disease Control Unit, West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they first feed on birds that carry the virus, and then bite a human or animal.
The Disease Control Unit says the City is not required to take any specific action but recommends that people take precautions if they are walking or sitting outside at dawn or dusk to protect themselves from being bitten by infected mosquitoes.
The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts. Dead birds should be reported to the toll-free hotline at 877-WNV BIRD (877-968-2473).
