The Broome County Health Department will no longer be taking dead/ill bird reports and will not dispose of dead or ill birds. To dispose of a bird, wear gloves and/or use a shovel to bury or place the bird in the garbage.
The Broome County Health Department is urging all residents to make sure they protect themselves from mosquitoes by keeping the windows and door screens on their homes in good repair. Reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, by emptying water-holding containers, emptying or filling in swimming pools that are no longer used, maintaining swimming pools that are in use by filtering and chemically treating the water, keeping rain gutters free of leaves, and discarding old tires. Report any abandoned swimming pools or tire piles to your local code enforcement officer.
Not all mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus but those known to transmit West Nile Virus like to live around and breed in artificial containers (pots, buckets, abandoned swimming pools and tire piles), not natural water bodies such as ponds, swamps, ditches or wetlands.
Although it is not necessary to limit daytime outdoor activities, you can reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing mosquito-breeding habitats around your home, you should:
- Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
- Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when you are outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.
- Consider using mosquito repellent containing DEET when it is necessary to be outdoors. Make sure to follow the directions on the label.
Related Information:
West Nile Virus: FIGHT THE BITE
West Nile Virus: Deet Tips
West Nile Virus: Info for Senior Citizens
Tick and Insect Repellent: Deciding on Their Use
