Officials say West Nile still a threat
Four dead birds discovered around San Diego County have tested positive for West Nile virus, health officials announced Tuesday.
“Despite the cold weather, mosquitoes are still spreading West Nile virus to our local birds,’’ said Gary Erbeck, director of the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health.
The three American crows and one red-shouldered hawk, the first dead birds discovered in San Diego County with West Nile virus this year, were found in Poway, San Marcos and Sorrento Valley, according to the DEH.
According to the DEH, neglected “green’’ swimming pools at foreclosed properties continue to provide prime breeding grounds for mosquitos.
Residents, Realtors, pool maintenance companies and landscapers are being encouraged to report “green’’ pools so that San Diego County Vector Control officials can take steps to control mosquito breeding.
County Vector Control can be reached at (888) 551-INFO (4636). Information on West Nile virus is also available online at
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