Press Releases

September 13, 2005
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michelle Pintar
Phone: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: mpintar@wihumane.org

MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Stop West Nile Virus Before it Starts

MILWAUKEE – For the last few weeks, wild birds made ill by West Nile Virus have been arriving at the Wisconsin Humane Society. Particularly hard hit are crows: one or more crows infected with the virus arrives at WHS daily. In the last few weeks, dozens of crows, several Cooper's Hawks and a Red-tailed Hawk infected with the virus have arrived at the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

The Wisconsin Humane Society would like to offer these tips to the community to help stop the spread of the disease:

· Change water in birdbaths at least twice a week, since mosquitoes can hatch in as little as four days.

· Clean out the gutters on your house to keep them from holding water where mosquitoes can breed.

· Eliminate water in flowerpot bases, old tires, buckets, watering cans, wheelbarrows, swimming pool covers, etc.

· Eliminate standing water in your yard by correcting landscaping problems.

· Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. When possible, avoid working outdoors when mosquitoes are biting. Some mosquitoes are active during the day – particularly in weedy, bushy, and wooded or shaded areas, so you may wish to avoid working in these areas if you can, or use an appropriate mosquito repellent applied according to label directions.

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Note: Scott Diehl, Wildlife Manager for the Wisconsin Humane Society, is available for interviews. In addition, a Red-tailed Hawk recovering from West Nile Virus is currently available for photos. To schedule an appointment, contact Michelle Pintar at (414) 431-6104.