Maryland Crow Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Laboratories confirmed May 24 that a crow found in Baltimore City tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). This first confirmed crow of the 2001 season was found in the 3100 block

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The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Laboratories confirmed May 24 that a crow found in Baltimore City tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). This first confirmed crow of the 2001 season was found in the 3100 block of Gibbons Avenue in the northeast section of the city.


In 2000, 50 birds that tested positive were found in eight counties of Maryland–29 of which were found in Baltimore city. However, there were no Maryland cases of WNV in horses or humans in 2000.

Since May 1 of this year, the Arbovirus Surveillance call center has reported 922 calls relating to dead birds. As of May 25, the DHMH lab has received 103 birds and tested 94 suitable specimens from 22 Maryland counties.

“State, local and federal agencies are continuing their collaborative efforts to monitor the situation carefully to ensure the public’s health and safety,” said Arlene H. Stephenson, DHMH Deputy Secretary of Public Health Services. The public can help by educating themselves on prevention and by reporting any recently dead or dying crow, bluejay or raptor to the DHMH Arbovirus Surveillance Call Center toll-free at 1-866-866-CROW (2769).

Citizens are urged to monitor their own yards and gardens for signs of standing water that serve as breeding grounds to mosquitoes, noting that as little as one-half inch of water in a discarded can or container will support dozens of the insects.


Residents are encouraged to take the following steps:



  1. Cleaning rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.
  2. Remove old tires or drill drainage hole in tires used as playground equipment.
  3. Turn over wading pools, wheelbarrows, wagons and carts when not in use.Flush water from bottom of plant holders twice a week.
  4. Replace water in birdbaths at least twice a week.
  5. Turn garbage can lids upside down and make sure trash receptacles don’t have water in them.
  6. Fix dripping faucets.
  7. Aerate ornamental pools and water gardens or stock with fish and use a circulating filter system.
  8. Avoid areas of high mosquito infestation.
  9. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  10. Wear light clothing, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hat when outdoors

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The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care is an equine publication providing the latest news and information on the health, care, welfare, and management of all equids.

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