Dead crow (Tilden) was tested positive for West Nile Virus

This is to report that the dead crow found on 3200 block of Tilden was tested positive for West Nile Virus. The public is encouraged to report any birds that have been dead for less than 48 hours to the California Department of Health Services toll-free hotline at 1-877-WNV-BIRD. You will be contacted if the bird is to be picked up for WNV testing. If you have not been contacted within 24 hours of your report, you may safely dispose of the dead bird in your trash. Use gloves, a shovel or a plastic bag to place the bird in a trash bag for disposal. Please DO NOT freeze dead birds. WNV is transmitted by mosquitoes, so the best way to protect yourself from the disease is to avoid mosquito bites. For more information about the West Nile Virus in California or to report dead birds online, visit the California Department of Health Services website here. http://www.westnile.ca.gov/ Residents should also ensure that the doors and windows to their homes have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out. The insects lay their eggs in standing water and all sources of standing water should be eliminated from one's property, including flowerpots, rain gutters and pet water bowls. Swimming pools, hot tubs and ornamental ponds should be properly maintained. If you have a pond, use mosquito fish (you can obtain these fish free of cost from the L.A. County West Vector & Vector-Borne Disease Control District by calling 310-915-7370 Please refer to our earlier post for the detail.