West Nile Virus
by Lindsey Lee

The Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) has received many telephone calls from Council Offices regarding the West Nile Virus and dead birds found in citizens yards. BARC was being requested to collect the dead birds. BARC contacted Dr. Ray Parsons, head of Harris County Mosquito Control, who advised it is their duty to receive reports and to collect dead birds. BARC is not to be involved in picking up sick and/or dead birds. If the birds are not collected within 24 hours by Mosquito Control the carcasses should be disposed of in the same manner as any other dead animal the citizen found on the premises.

If the collected birds are to be tested they will be sent to UTMB-Galveston. Mosquito Control will designate the criteria which must be met before testing. Citizens should be referred to Mosquito Control at 713-440-4800. Dr. Parsons advises his office is inundated with calls and there will be delays in answering the telephone.

If you have questions, please contact John Nix, Division Manager Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC).

Increased spraying in Spring Branch has already started and will continue in the areas that have reported dead Birds, which is a significant portion of Spring Branch. We are turning in all those locations to the County.