COURT HOUSE – Cape May County Health Department and the Department of Mosquito Control, in cooperation with the state Department of Health and Senior Services, will start the 2008 program for the collection of Dead/Ill Bird Specimens for West Nile Virus testing on April 15.

“Past testing shows that crows and blue jays are the most susceptible of all the bird species to the West Nile Virus and, therefore, the best indicator for detecting the presence of the virus. Based on that, only dead crows and blue jays will be submitted for testing,” stated Freeholder Gerald Thornton in a release.

The department is once again inviting residents to assist with the West Nile Virus surveillance effort by being on the alert for dead crows and blue jays.

Here are some basic points for residents to bear in mind:

• Only crow and blue jay specimens are being solicited for testing.

• Only crows and blue jays dead less than 24 hours will be considered for testing.

• Residents can call the Cape May County Health Department at (609) 465-1209, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to report dead crow or dead blue jay sightings.

Weekend sightings can be reported to the Health Department on Monday and, if residents wish to preserve specimens, they may do so by keeping them in a cooler, do not freeze birds. Although handling a dead bird cannot transmit the virus, gloves should be worn. Crow and blue jay specimens should be placed in a clear plastic zip-lock bag.

As a public service, the Department will again keep residents informed of the general location of where positive bird specimens have been found.

The West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. West Nile Virus is not directly transmitted from birds to humans or from person to person. West Nile Virus infection generally causes no symptoms or just mild, flu-like symptoms. However, the elderly are at higher risk of more severe disease.

It is important for residents to know that there is no cause for panic. The following is a list of some steps residents should take to reduce the risk of becoming infected with the West Nile Virus.

• To reduce mosquito breeding on your property, eliminate standing water by disposing of empty cans, buckets, flowerpots, old tires, trashcans, etc.

• Clean clogged roof gutters.

• Empty plastic pools when not in use and drain swimming pool covers.

• At least weekly, change water in bird baths and flush sump pits.

• Stock ornamental ponds with goldfish.

• Check and repair screens and screen doors.

• Stay indoors during dawn, dusk and early evening when mosquitoes are active.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when you are outdoors.

• Apply insect repellant sparingly to exposed skin.

• Effective insect repellants will contain 20 percent to 30 percent of DEET.

• Avoid applying repellant on the hands of children to avoid eye or mouth irritation.

• Do not apply insect repellants on children less than three years old.

• Insect repellants containing permethrin may be sprayed on clothing to help prevent mosquitoes from biting through cloth.

For additional information, visit cmchealth.net or call the Cape May County Health Department at (609) 465-1209.