Summer mosquitos in Wyoming are more that annoying pests, they a possibly a vector for a deadly disease. West Nile virus affects Wyoming’s wildlife by causing a fatal neurological disease.
While the virus can infect many species, one Wyoming animal that is quite susceptible is the Sage Grouse.
To understand how widespread West Nile virus infections might be, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is asking Wyoming residents and visitors to keep an eye out when exploring the Cowboy State this summer. Biologists want you to take note of dead sage grouse that you may encounter and report them to the agency.
Nyssa Whitford, the Wyoming Game and Fish’s sage-grouse biologist said, “We are particularly interested in sage-grouse found in remote areas that have no obvious injuries that might have resulted in their death. These may occur near water holes or hay fields on private lands.”
Whitford says that folks do not need to report obious road killed grouse to the department
How to Collect Dead Grouse in the Field
Risk of contracting the virus from handling a dead bird is rare.
- Collecting Carcasses Safety Recommendations:
- Use an inverted plastic sack to pick up birds.
- Wear gloves for additional safety.
- Once bagged, place the carcass into a second bag, ideally a trash bag.
- Securely tie the bag.
- Deliver to a Game and Fish Regional Office promptly.
- If immediate delivery isn’t possible, freeze the bird.
Whitford said the copious rainfall we have had this spring and summer has increased standing water sources and, consequently, mosquito populations.
Keep Mosquitos in Check
How to mitigate against mosquitos
- – Eliminate standing water in common receptacles:
- – Flower pots
- – Discarded tires
- – Small plastic swimming pools
- – Wheelbarrows
- – Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water.
- – It takes only 5-7 days for mosquitoes to complete their life cycle.
West Nile Virus Can Infect Humans
the CDC says that Infected mosquitoes can also spread the virus to people and other animals. In humans, West Nile Virus can cause mild symptoms but, in some cases, encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, or meningitis, which is inflammation of the brain lining and brain stem, can occur.
Do You Suspect a West Nile Infection?
Consult a Healthcare Professional
- Diagnosis is based on signs and symptoms.
- Consideration of history related to potential mosquito exposure.
- Laboratory tests:
- Blood tests.
- Spinal fluid examination.
- Providers can order specific tests to confirm West Nile virus or rule out other similar infections.
There is No Real Treatment For West Nile Virus
- No vaccine or medicine is available for a West Nile virus infection.
- Fluids, rest, and over-the-counter pain medications can relieve some symptoms.
- In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.
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