A crow is a crow is a crow! Not so, especially if it’s a dead American crow. Yes, we all know the crow in Ontario. It’s officially known as the American crow. It’s all black with a black bill and eyes. They are approximately 12-16 inches.
Dr. Wayne Gall addressed the Bert Miller Nature Club at Stevensville recently. His researched talk - West Nile virus in Western new York and Southern Ontario. Dr. Gall is with the Western New York Department of Health. His power point presentation of two hours gave the members much up to date data.
This article is centred on our Niagara Region. In 2002 over 1000 dead bird sightings were reported throughout Niagara. You guessed it - American crows topped the list. Its relative, the Blue jay, also has fallen to the deadly virus.The local dead American crows were submitted for testing and only 11 were found to be infected with West Nile virus. Now that’s a small number but common sense caution is to be followed.
Ontario government instructions: “Bird carcassses that are not collected should be buried several feet deep or double bagged and placed with household garbage. Avoid barehanderd contact when handling dead birds.” Wear disposable rubber gloves. “Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after disposing of the carcass.”
Find a dead bird. Report it to the Regional Niagara Public Health Department at Hotline 905-688 -8248 extension7335 or 1-888-505-6074 extension7335. Leave a detailed mesage regarding the dead crow, your name and a contact number. Let’s stay on top of WNv!
Next: Clean up your act and help stop West Nile virus.