Oneida County Health Department officials are moving ahead with plans to aerial spray insecticide within a two-mile radius of where a dead crow tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

Health officials, who were notified Wednesday, August 16 from the State Health Department about the infected bird near Luke and Glass Factory Roads in the Town of Marcy, have been working diligently to move ahead.

Today, county officials:

• Finalized the exact geographical location for the proposed spraying, which could take place as early as Tuesday, August 22 weather permitting.

• Completed the notification material for residents to be distributed as early as Sunday evening.

• Organized an open session for residents in the immediate area to have questions answered by county health officials Monday, August 21 between 5-7 p.m. at the Marcy Town Hall on Toby Road.

Duflo Spray-Chemical, Inc., who has done aerial spraying for clients such as Disney World, will aerial spray at $3.50 per acre with the insecticide Anvil. The county is eligible for up to 50 percent reimbursement on the cost of the spraying from the state due to the New York State Health Department's declaration of a public health emergency Thursday, August 17.

The Oneida County Health Department continues to urge residents to take precautions to avoid mosquitoes by eliminating standing water sites around homes, fixing screen doors and the using mosquito repellant when outside.

The Oneida County Health Department will continue to release information as it develops.