ESPAÑOLA – New Mexico Wildlife Center has seen an increase in West Nile virus cases in avian patients admitted to their wildlife hospital this year. The top follows a wet monsoon season. West Nile virus is transmitted to birds, humans, horses, and other animals by adult mosquitoes. While most healthy people can fight off this virus easily, birds and other animals are not so lucky. Unfortunately, several bird patients died at the NMWC that year, including birds that had been in their care for several months, which means they have become infected by mosquitoes in the area around the center. The most commonly affected species in the NMWC’s Wildlife Hospital are crows, ravens, and some species of hawks.
There are a few ways you can prevent the West Nile virus from spreading at home. Empty all containers of standing water and tip over anything that could collect water. Protect yourself and your animals by using suitable clothing or repellants. If you have stagnant water like troughs for horses or livestock, consider using mosquito dunks to prevent mosquito breeding.
Fortunately, the NMWC’s employed veterinarian Sarah Sirica reports that “with temperatures below 50, the mosquito population will decrease and so will the spread of the West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases”.
To learn more about the West Nile Virus in New Mexico, visit bit.ly/3CB4jZw.
If you find a bird that is showing neurological symptoms (unbalanced, not using legs or wings, head tilted) or that is weak and lethargic, contact NMWC at 505-753-9505.
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