West Nile Virus (WNV) PSA

As we continue through the year we have been faced with an old threat renewing itself in our very own backyard. This past week we sadly lost one of our educational ambassadors to the West Nile Virus, our beautiful Rough-Legged Hawk Sundara. She is unfortunately not the first death we have witnessed from this virus and will most likely not be the last. We have received several patients that have exhibited the symptoms associated with WNV that have succumbed to the virus within several days. We have also received an unusual volume of calls about raptors being found on the ground only to be called back shortly after saying the bird is now deceased.

At this time we have enacted a protocol that has proven itself successful in the past to help protect our remaining permanent residents and to minimize the number of mosquitoes on the property.

For those of you not familiar with West Nile Virus it is a virus that is passed from bird to bird through a mosquito vector. Once a bird is infected it becomes a host to the virus. The affected birds blood and tissues become contaminated and the virus is passed to other birds through mosquito bites or ingestion of the infected birds carcass. Some individuals are able to survive after being infected while others will die within several days of exposure. Symptoms can consist of ataxia, lethargy, loss of appetite, tremors, seizures, and other neurological symptoms, rapid weight loss, and organ failure.

There is no cure for the virus but it can be survived with proper supportive care. If you see a raptor in your area exhibiting any of the before mentioned symptoms, please call us for assistance. For all other bird species call your local DNR to be directed to a rehabilitator that can assist you.

Thank you,

Pine View Team