Infected mosquitoes are the primary source of WNV. There is no evidence to suggest that ticks or other insects transmit WNV.

West Nile virus, which causes West Nile fever, encephalitis and meningitis, is a mosquito-borne virus that first appeared in the United States in 1999. After being found in bird populations in the metropolitan New York area, it has since spread across the United States. As of fall 2006, six birds and one horse with West Nile Virus have been reported in King County.

According to the most recent reports that we have heard, one llama was suspected of having had West Nile Virus, but it was not confirmed. There has been a confirmed case in an alpaca.

The Project Management Team is working with the mosquito abatement districts in the South Bay to plan the restoration so that it minimizes the potential for mosquito populations. Marshes with tidal action do not provide good habitat for the two main species of mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus.

No, People become infected by the bite of a mosquito infected with West Nile virus. There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling live or dead infected birds. However, you should avoid using your bare hands when handling any dead animals.

this time, there is no vaccine approved for llamas against West Nile Virus. We hope that by the spring, when the mosquitos are out in force again, a vaccine will have been developed. We will keep you posted as we learn more.

West Nile virus is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. It is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus found in the United States. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals. West Nile fever is a case of mild disease in people, characterized by flu like symptoms. West Nile fever typically lasts only a few days and does not appear to cause any long-term health effects.

middot; Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent will give extra protection. Do not spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing. middot; The hours from dusk to dawn are peak mosquito biting times for many species of mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning.

The project partners are working closely with the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (CCMVCD) to design the project in a way that limits mosquito growth and West Nile virus. The goal of the CCMVCD program is to prevent mosquito problems before they happen. The CCMVCD has made suggestions for how to design the wetland restoration project that will be incorporated into the project. The project partners will continue to work with CCMVCD to control mosquitoes at the Dutch Slough site.

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Answer: No, only certain species of mosquitoes can carry the virus and transmit it efficiently to other animals. The disease is mainly transmitted between birds and mosquitoes. People and horses are dead-end hosts and therefore cannot infect other mosquitoes. In Colorado, the main mosquito vector species for the West Nile Virus is Culex tarsalis, a fairly common mosquito in most parts of the state below 8,000 feet in elevation.

WNV is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. You or your child cannot get WNV from a person who has the disease. WNV is not spread by person-to-person contact such as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected.

Horses become infected with West Nile virus after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The mosquito acquires the virus by feeding on an infected bird and then the mosquito transmits the virus when it feeds on a horse, human or other mammal. Horses and humans are considered "dead end hosts," meaning they cannot transmit the West Nile virus to other horses, birds or people. Horses in the United States have been infected with the virus. USDA: Current Status of West Nile Virus

In 2001, a vaccine was conditionally approved for horses, which must be administered by a veterinarian. The initial vaccine is a two-injection series given three weeks apart. Both injections must be given to provide protection from West Nile virus. Foals may be vaccinated at 12 weeks of age and require a second dose three weeks later. If foals are vaccinated prior to 12 weeks of age, a three-dose series is recommended.

Yes. As of August 22, 2003 sentinel chickens in Emery and Carbon County were confirmed positive with the virus. Horse cases have also been confirmed positive in Uintah and Emery counties. West Nile virus has been detected in mosquito pools in Utah and Uintah counties.