A dead crow found in Ailsa Craig has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit says it is the second dead crow to have tested positive in the London-area this year.
Last week, a bird that tested positive for the virus was found in London near Oxford St. and Wonderland Rd.
“These birds remind us that West Nile Virus is present in Middlesex-London and that we need to take the steps to protect ourselves and family from mosquito bites,” says Jeremy Hogeveen, Vector-Borne Disease Coordinator with the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
The Health Unit says the best way to protect yourself from the West Nile Virus is to:
- Wear light coloured clothing with long-sleeves, pants and socks in areas where mosquitoes are present, especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active.
- Use an insect repellent with DEET. Follow directions for use, especially for children.
- Fix holes in screens, windows and doors.
- Regularly empty standing water from garbage cans, wheelbarrows, toys, flowerpots and saucers, pool covers, tires, and other items around your home and yard.
- Clean clogged eaves troughs.
- Clean and change water in bird baths every other day.
- Keep pool pumps circulating.
- Aerate ponds or stock them with fish.
- Cover openings in rain barrels.
It also encourages anyone who sees standing water to report it to the Health Unit by calling 519-663-5317, ext. 2300.
