New York chicken tests positive for West Nile virus

More tests scheduled to confirm diagnosis

June 15, 2000
Web posted at: 5:14 p.m. EDT (2114 GMT)

From staff reports

NEW YORK (CNN) -- One of 96 sentinel chickens intended to detect West Nile virus has tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease, New York authorities announced Thursday.

An outbreak of the disease last year killed seven people and sickened 62 others.

New York Health Commissioner Neal Cohen said a blood sample taken June 8 showed the West Nile virus. The chicken was in Queens, near the site where last year's outbreak began.

But authorities emphasized the diagnosis must be confirmed by two more tests, to be conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and the National Veterinary Laboratory in Ames, Iowa.

"This does not mean the chicken has West Nile," said Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

If the new tests also find West Nile, pesticide ground spraying could begin as early as Monday, Giuliani said. Authorities will use Scourge, a pesticide effective for controlling the mosquitoes that spread the infection among birds and humans.

Cohen said Scourge is registered for use by the Environmental Protection Agency and does not pose a risk to the public. However, he said "any time spraying ... is done, residents should minimize their exposure. That's just common sense."

West Nile virus can cause mild to severe illness in humans. In the most serious cases, it can cause encephalitis, or swelling of the brain. Elderly people and those whose immune systems are weakened are most at risk.

Authorities warned people last month to take precautions against mosquitoes, after three dead crows were found to be infected. Cages of sentinel chickens have been placed along migratory routes to help determine if the virus is actually in the New York area. Chickens do not die from the virus.

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October 22, 1999
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New York City Department Of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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