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West Nile Virus Cases in Maryland Growing  
As of July 27, 2001, Maryland’s Arbovirus Surveillance Testing latest results show that eighty-one (81) of the 680 dead birds submitted for testing have been positive for the West Nile virus. According to The Washington Post, Maryland is leading the nation in reported cases of the disease, with over half of the country’s infected birds found in this state. Virginia and Washington, DC, have each had one dead bird test positive.

According to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, of the 81 birds, 64 have been submitted from Baltimore City, while the remaining 17 have been found in Baltimore County. With the exception of three blue jays, all the birds that have tested positive have been crows.

One horse sample has also been submitted for testing, and the results were negative.

In addition, over 6,000 mosquito pools have been tested, with one pool comprised of the Culex salinarius species testing positive. This is the first time that the virus has shown up in mosquitoes in Maryland since its arrival to the region in the summer of 1999. Though similar to the Culex pipiens, or Northern House mosquito, – the species most closely identified with the West Nile virus - the Culex salinarius is found more commonly in “wilder” environments, around both freshwater and swampy sites.

In addition to the mosquito pool testing positive for West Nile virus, another mosquito pool – one of Culiseta melanura – has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). This mosquito species, whose natural habitat is swampy or brackish bodies of water, is known to carry and transmit EEE. Though there is no vaccine for West Nile virus, there is one for EEE, and it is important to vaccinate your horse against this often-fatal virus, especially in light of this recent finding.

As the summer progresses, more cases of West Nile virus will be seen as the mosquito season approaches its peak in August and September. Please remember to take the necessary steps towards reducing the mosquitoes’ breeding habitats by eliminating sources of stagnant or standing water. Experts have also recommended increasing the use of insect repellent (specifically that containing DEET) to further reduce the mosquito population. The American Horse Council recommends stabling horses during the peak feeding times for mosquitoes – dusk and dawn – especially in the southern regions of the US. They also suggest that screened barns can further reduce a horse’s chances of exposure.

To date, state officials have not established a spraying schedule. MDhorse.com will provide further updates throughout the summer as the occasion warrants.



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