Red-tailed Hawk found in Westchester Tests Positive for Virus

The Westchester County Department of Health was notified yesterday that a dead red-tailed hawk found in Bronxville on February 8, 2000 has tested laboratory positive for West Nile virus. The dead hawk had been taken to a Connecticut laboratory by a Westchester resident. The University of Connecticut and the Connecticut Agricultural and Experimental Station performed the testing.

"State and federal officials have been notified of the results and are evaluating potential implications of this finding," stated Patsy Yang-Lewis, Acting Commissioner for Westchester County Department of Health. "

Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and the New York State Health Department indicate that the significance of this finding is unclear, They are investigating the situation and indicate that it is highly unlikely that significant mosquito activity is occurring at this time of year. It is also possible that the hawk flew into Westchester County from a more distant location.

"However, as a result of this unexpected finding, we will immediately move up our schedule to monitor dead birds in the County," Patsy Yang-Lewis noted. "Residents should report any dead bird sightings to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 637-4926. Appropriate specimens will be identified for testing."

"This finding reinforces the importance of the many activities underway in Westchester County to prevent the spread of West Nile virus, " stated County Executive Andrew Spano. Some of the activities already conducted under Operation Mosquito S.T.I.N.G. (Stop The Insects! Next Generation) include: December. 1999

• Development of Operation Mosquito S.T.I.N.G., the comprehensive mosquito monitoring, testing, and control program (See www.westchestergov.com for more details)

• Development of a regional plan for mosquito surveillance and control with New York State Health Department and health departments in the Lower Hudson Valley region. (Draft plan available on www.westchesterqov.com)

• Partnership with medical providers, hospitals and health care facilities to identify potential human cases.

• Development of West Nile Virus Watch on the website www.westchester.gov.com/health.