Based upon the recommendations of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the Oneida County Department of Health (OCDOH) has been submitting dead Crows, Blue Jays, and Hawks since January, 2002. Early in the season, submissions were limited to two birds per week, keeping with guidelines established by New York State. As the season progressed, more birds were discovered dead, and the county sent as many birds to the laboratory as necessary. At the present time, the health department is no longer collecting birds to be sent for testing.

Not all birds submitted to the NYSDOH were tested for West Nile Virus (WNV), as not all birds submitted are suitable for testing (based on the condition of the specimen and other factors).

The OCDOH has been conducting surveillance activities for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) since the 1970’s. With the recent introduction of WNV in New York State, the mosquito pools submitted for EEEV testing are also tested for WNV. The 2001 season marks the first time that surveillance activities have been conducted in Oneida County specifically for WNV. This year, 13 additional mosquito traps were used by the OCDOH in locations throughout Oneida County. An average of ten pools of mosquitoes was submitted to the NYSDOH each week, beginning in June and concluding in September. As specific species have been identified by NYSDOH as potential carriers of WNV, only these species were submitted for testing for WNV.

Mosquito larvae develop in standing water with an organic content. Controlling mosquito breeding habitats was a primary goal of the OCDOH for 2002. Mosquito management was achieved this season based solely on control of standing water. One larvicidal control activity was undertaken in Verona, NY early in the mosquito breeding season. Most areas surveyed were identified by reports from the public. Residents or owners themselves did larval control work on residential and commercial properties, under the advisement of the OCDOH. Any areas determined to be supporting larval mosquito activity were required to be removed or controlled in a timely manner. Areas that were found not to be supporting larval growth but were identified as potential breeding habitats were monitored through out the season. These areas will be monitored again during the 2003 mosquito season.

Surveillance activities in Oneida County are limited to communications with hospitals and physicians regarding submission of samples for suspect WNV cases. Certain NYSDOH criteria must be met in order for the OCDOH to authorize the submission of samples to the sate lab. To date, no cases in Oneida County have met these criteria. No suspect human cases have been reported in Oneida County, and no positive laboratory results have been received.

Education regarding WNV and the surveillance and control measures being utilized by Oneida County has been the goal of the OCDOH. Since April 2002, the OCDOH has been seeking media involvement to "get the word out" to the public using press releases and public service announcements. These announcements have focused on the elimination of mosquito breeding areas, submission of dead birds, and personal protective measures that can reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito. OCDOH has distributed educational materials to elementary schools where superintendents would allow, sporting goods stores, farm & family centers, grocery stores, libraries, and senior citizen centers. Whenever possible, health department staff will participate in health fairs and other informational fairs to assist the public in understanding WNV.

Educational materials have been developed by the NYSDOH and have been adapted for use in Oneida County. The following materials have been used for the 2001 season:

Several agencies and organizations have been involved in WNV surveillance and control activities in Oneida County, including but not limited to: