Tests have confirmed that a dead crow found in the Lillian St. area of Hanmer is positive for West Nile virus (WNV).
This is the first confirmed report of WNV in the City of Greater Sudbury for 2008. Other health unites in the province have also confirmed WNV positive birds.
"In any year, it's just a matter of time before we confirm the presence of WNV in our service area," said Ed Gardner, manager of the Sudbury & District Health Unit's environmental health division, in a release.
"Now that we have found a positive bird in the Lillian St. area of Hanmer, we will set up additional mosquito traps in that area as part of our standard practice."
To date, the health unit has submitted 16 birds for testing. One tested positive. Non of the mosquitoes collected in the 44 traps set by the health unit throughout the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts have tested positive for the virus.
To report a dead crow, raven or blue jay sighting, please phone 522-9200. For more information about the virus, visit www.sdhu.com.
