Dead Bird Surveillance for West Nile Virus
Author Information
Author(s): Millicent Eidson, Laura Kramer, Ward Stone, Yoichiro Hagiwara, Kate Schmit, The New York State West Nile Virus Avian Surveillance Team
Primary Institution: New York State Department of Health
Hypothesis
Can dead bird surveillance provide an early warning for human West Nile virus cases?
Conclusion
Dead bird surveillance was valuable for early detection of West Nile virus and guiding public health efforts.
Supporting Evidence
- 71,332 ill or dead birds were reported in 2000.
- 1,263 out of 3,976 tested dead birds were positive for West Nile virus.
- Dead crow reports preceded confirmation of viral activity by several months.
- Dead bird surveillance provided an early warning of West Nile virus activity before the first human case.
Takeaway
The study looked at how watching for dead birds can help us know if West Nile virus is spreading before people get sick.
Methodology
The study used a web-based health information network to report and test dead birds for West Nile virus.
Limitations
The number of birds submitted for testing may have been insufficient to confirm low levels of viral activity in some areas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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