A dead crow found in Bruce County has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) says the crow was submitted to the Canadian Wildlife Health Co-operative for testing on June 6.
GBPH is reminding residents that this positive test for West Nile shows that the virus can still be found in the local area, and it remains important to protect yourself and family from mosquito bites.
A great way to protect yourself is using insect repellent containing DEET or Incaridin and covering exposed skin while outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active.
You can also eliminate standing water on your property, such as in flowerpots and eavestroughs. You can also make sure door and window screens fit securely and are free of holes, and wear light-coloured long pants and long sleeves, socks and a hat when outdoors.
According to the GBPH, no human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Ontario so far this year. In 2023, 61 people – equivalent to a rate of 0.4 cases per 100,000 people – tested positive for WNV, resulting in 37 hospitalizations and one death.
Public Health Ontario has developed an Ontario Vector-Borne Disease Tool, which contains data related to West Nile Virus, along with information on mosquito surveillance.
