Dead Bird in Peabody MA Tests Positive for West Nile and Community Concern Rises

Three simple words, West Nile Virus (WNV), is instilling fear in residents all over the country. Texas alone has reported that 97% of the mosquitoes tested have tested positive for WNV this season. The CDC is also reporting cases of human infection from WNV in 37 states.

There was a dead bird found in Peabody that had West Nile virus so they misted in West Peabody on the Lynnfield line. This new information adds to the ever increasing list of positive WNV test results. The Peabody Patch recently released a public health alert to inform residents that a mosquito also tested positive for the disease in Peabody. The recent findings are prompting officials to schedule targeted mosquito pesticide misting in the area. The update also urges residents that it is important to take personal precautions against mosquitoes.

Along with exercising careful mosquito control and protection, it is also important to avoid touching dead birds since they may have perished from the virus. Mosquitoes become infected with WNV by feeding from infected birds. Therefore, the presence of a dead bird on your property should be handled with extreme caution. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health there is a protocol that should be followed when disposing of a dead bird on your property. At this point in time, residents are only asked to report sick of dying birds of certain species to specific agencies such as waterfowl, poultry and larger breed birds. Since current mosquito testing and collection provides a more reliable chart of current WNV activity in the area, reporting dead birds is no longer required. All other birds can be disposed of via double bagging and placing in the trash, this disposal method is in accordance with the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation for dead bird disposal.

We urge Mass. residents to take control over their property and surroundings to reduce the risk of human infection. Eliminate all areas that harbor the chance of standing water, from children’s outdoor toys, to birdbaths and even small items such as planter bases on flower pots and caps from soda bottles. Any area that holds the possibility of holding even a miniscule amount of moisture should be turned over or thrown away. Make your yard safer by keeping brush piles and debris discarded and keeping your yard mowed and maintained. We also recommend that you avoid venturing into untreated areas from dusk until dawn, when mosquitoes are at their peak. The most important safeguard against protecting your family from the threat of West Nile is to hire a mosquito control professional to treat your property to control and prevent the presence of mosquitoes at your home.

Mosquito Squad of the North Shore specializes in preventing and controlling mosquitoes in the North Shore and surrounding areas. We are the premier mosquito control professionals that can mist your yard at scheduled intervals to provide season-long barrier protection from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. Our service acts as a barrier from mosquitoes in a world filled with mosquito risks. Our barrier sprays are safe and effective and deliver maximum mosquito protection.