August 29, 2000

Broome County To Begin Mosquito Surveillance

BINGHAMTON, NY -- The Broome County Health Department will begin collecting adult mosquito and larva to test for the West Nile Virus. "This is another part of the integrated pest management surveillance and control program planned by Broome County in response to the presence of West Nile Virus," said Charles H. Wolford, Public Health Director. "The Health Department will determine what type of mosquitoes are present in Broome County and identify the areas where the mosquitoes are most likely to breed," said Wolford. This information will guide the control efforts that will be undertaken."

Health Department Environmental Health staff and a Binghamton University Faculty member, Dr. Julian Shepherd, were recently trained in mosquito surveillance techniques including larval and adult mosquito collection and identification. These trained technicians are determining the best sites to conduct larval collection around the county. A total of 50 sites will be selected around the urban core of Broome County and eventually expand to rural population centers. Dr. Shepherd and his students will also be checking tire piles and abandoned swimming pools, which are likely breeding sites for mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus. Residents can call the Health Department Environmental Health Service at 607.778.2887 during work hours, to report tire piles or abandoned swimming pools.

Health Department staff will be placing mosquito traps at six selected sites around the County: Endicott Water Department; Good Shepherd Nursing Home, East Side of Binghamton; Elizabeth Church Manor, Town of Dickinson; Binghamton University, Binghamton; Binghamton/Johnson City Joint Sewage Treatment Plant, Vestal; Private residence on Prospect Street, North Side of Binghamton. One additional trap will be placed at various sites in rural population centers. The traps will collect pregnant and meal seeking females. Traps will be checked everyday by trained technicians.

The collected mosquitoes will be identified by species and sent to the State Health Department Laboratory to be tested for West Nile Virus infection. The results from the collected mosquitoes will indicate whether the mosquitoes in Broome County are infected with West Nile Virus. The information gathered from the larval and mosquito surveillance combined with continued human and bird monitoring will guide the decisions about safe and appropriate control measures.

"The people of Broome County are to be congratulated for taking steps to reduce mosquito habitats around their homes and properties", stated Mr. Wolford, "we can each take part in fighting the bite!" Residents are encouraged to continue calling the Health Department Environmental Health Service Division with reports of dead birds. The number to report dead birds and crows, during the workweek is 607.778.2887. After work hours and on the weekends, individuals should only call Broome County Dispatch at 607.778.1911 to report dead crows, all other dead birds can be reported directly to the Health Department on the next regular workday.

West Nile Virus - 'Fight the Bite' brochure

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