Dead Birds On Sept 23, students from Hillwood High School will collect dead birds from around the WSMV TV tower and try to figure out why they are dying there. Then they will videoconference with Page H.S. students to discuss the mystery. This is part of the Advanced Placement Environmental Science project. The results of the conference will be posted here soon. "Healthy People in Healthy Communities" DHMH NEWS RELEASE 201 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Karen Black Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of Public Relations (410) 767-6490 Karen Black, Director TESTING OF DEAD BIRDS FOR WEST NILE VIRUS ENDING FOR SEASON BALTIMORE, MD (December 3, 1999) -- The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has announced that the collection and testing of dead birds for West Nile virus has ended for the season. West Nile virus was responsible for the encephalitis outbreak that occurred in the New York City area in August and September. Dr. Clifford Johnson, the State Public Health Veterinarian, says "the risk that people or birds would be infected with this mosquito-borne virus is now extremely low due to cold weather". Surveillance for bird deaths and the testing of birds for West Nile virus will resume in the spring. To date, there have been no laboratory-confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Maryland and only a single bird from the State has tested positive for the virus. The hotline (1-888-584-3110) will remain open until the end of the year to provide information about West Nile virus. |