[EBB Sightings] Dead junco

Corvids are the most susceptible of the bird groups to fatal cases of
WNV, but the list of birds affected to the point of mortality is large
and growing. Juncos are one of the birds that have tested positive in a
post-mortem.  

For a list of dead birds that have tested positive for WNV, visit the
CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/birdspecies.htm 

I also heard a disturbing rumor a few years back that Great Horned Owls
(and perhaps other raptors) in the Mid-West were dying off at such a
great rate that their populations may not be able to recover. This quote
was attributed to Dr. Pat Redig, a prominent avian vet at the University
of Minnesota, St. Paul, but I never confirmed it.

Debbie Viess
Oakland 

Tony Chappelle wrote:

Do Corvids primarily "carry" the virus or are they
more likely to die of the virus?  I would assume
(dangerous I know) that passerines are just as likely
as Corvids to be bitten by a mosquito carring WNV and
thus become a "carrier".  Anyone care to comment?

Tony Chappelle
Sacramento

--- Phila Rogers  wrote:

> Hi Marilyn:
> 
> My guess is that the bird will test negative as it's primarily corvids

> who carry the virus.  I occasionally find a dead bird -- a few days 
> ago it was a lesser goldfinch --but it didn't occur to me
> to have it tested.  Fortunately mosquitoes are
> scarce (or a least inactive) during this
> chillier-than-normal September.
> 
> Phila