West Nile Virus has shown up in a flock of chickens southeast of Redding. Two of them tested positive, according to the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District, which says they’ll conduct some mosquito control measures in the affected area. In July eleven mosquitos in Southeast Anderson tested positive. West Nile is spread by mosquitoes after they bite an infected bird. Symptoms of the virus include high fever, severe headache, confusion or a stiff neck. Everyone should check their yards and eliminate standing water where mosquitos can breed. West Nile is especially deadly for horses, the only species for which a vaccine exists. Heavy mosquito problems can be reported to 365-3768 or shastamosquito.org. Dead crows, jays and magpies can be reported to westnile.ca.gov.
-Steve Gibson