York County West Nile Virus Program

The residents and visitors of York County continue to be living in an area of high risk for West Nile Virus.  Based on 8 pools of mosquitoes collected in 2007 testing positive, York County ranks ninth out of 67 Counties in Pennsylvania.  For mosquito surveillance, the Penn State Cooperative Extension staff ranks third, submitting 40,749 adult and larval mosquitoes for identification and testing. In 2007, there were no confirmed human cases of West Nile Encephalitis, but there have been human cases of West Nile Virus every year in York County since 2002.

We want to remind all York County residents that West Nile Virus is now an international health issue extending through all 48 States, southern Canada, Central and South America.  Everyone can take simple measures to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home, neighborhood, farm, and work by eliminating standing water, in which mosquitoes can breed.  Please visit the links below for additional information.  In 2008, we will continue our efforts to educate the public, train municipal workers, and conduct county-wide surveillance and management of mosquito populations.  Because York County continues to grow, so does the human risk of West Nile Virus. In 2008, our program grant funds (your tax dollars) are increasing to allow the purchase of a new truck and sprayer.

Report Dead Birds Online or in York County call (717)-840-2375.  For 2008, dead bird collection will occur from May 1st through October 1st.  Collection will only be of Corvids (Blue Jay, Crow, & Raven) and Raptors - Birds of Prey (Hawk, Owl, Falcon, etc.)   

Waste Tires

Waste tires are good at holding water, offering mosquitoes a great place to breed. Mosquitoes mature rapidly given the right conditions. So, even in drought years, rainwater can stay in tires long enough to generate mosquitoes. Dispose of tires properly; don't leave them outside to breed mosquitoes.

State of Pennsylvania Waste Tire Recycling Program

West Nile Virus Links

These sites will answer most of your questions about the Pennsylvania program, West Nile Virus, and mosquito pesticides. If you need more information, call us at (717) 840-2375.

State of Pennsylvania West Nile Program

Penn State West Nile Virus Page

Center for Disease Control West Nile Information

Environmental Protection Agency Mosquito Pesticide Information

National Audubon Society and West Nile

 

York County West Nile Virus Program Historical Data

	2007	2006	2005	2004	2003	2002	2001
Total Mosquitoes Collected	40,749	34,139	37,321	18,275	29,042	56,755	13,698
Positive Mosquito Pools	8	12	9	40	112	71	0
Human Encephalitis	0	3	4	2	16	4	0
Human Fatality	0	1	0	1	1	0	0
Horses	0	0	0	0	43	2	0
Birds	0	0	0	2	26	32	10
Sentinel (chicken)	0	0	0	0	8	0	0

 

Contact:
Thomas L. Smith, Program Administrator
York County Cooperative Extension
Phone: 717-840-2375
Email: tls35@psu.edu