Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Madison, Wisc., have confirmed one case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a crow found near Milwaukee. Results for a second bird found near Milwaukee are inconclusive and that bird is being retested.

Wisconsin health officials announced the finding on Friday, August 31, 2001. The crows were sent to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisc., for testing.

Last fall, USGS scientists said WNV was on the move south and possibly west. The virus, considered a special threat to crows and jays, has appeared this year from Florida to Massachusetts and west to Louisiana.

“The virus has been pushing westward across the Great Lakes area and this finding is not a surprise,” said Dr. Robert McLean, Director of the USGS National Wildlife Health Center. “Even with birds as the primary carriers of the virus, we’re surprised at how fast it seems to be spreading