Statistics about dead birds upsetting

I was very upset to see the statistics quoted in the article "52 dead birds and 83 mosquitos" tested positive for West Nile virus.

I called the Animal Control on Aug. 4 after finding a dead bird in my backyard on Lee Avenue. The week before, my neighbor indicated that she had disposed of a total of three dead birds in a matter of a few days and I encouraged her to contact animal control, as we both have outdoor pets.

I expected they were not the last call I would need to make — only hoped at being directed to the proper contact for having this bird tested. I left a detailed message and as of the morning of Aug. 6, I had not received a call back. Since it was my garbage pickup, the bird is now in the landfill.

When I called the Animal Control to follow up, a live person answered the phone to apologize and explain how short-staffed they are, and how they often have volunteers staff the phones and well, I guess the message got lost! Wha ... wha ... wha ... Aren't we all short staffed these days? Perhaps the volunteers need to be made aware of the potential disease associated with dead birds. Thank you, Animal Control.

Shirley Murphy
Lodi

Response from Jeff Hood

As the Lodi News-Sentinel has previously reported, dead birds and squirrels found in Lodi should be reported to the California Department of Public Health, which notifies the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District and the local health department. Those agencies track West Nile cases in California and test animals for the virus.

Reports may be made through the West Nile virus hotline at (877) 968-2473 or at westnile.ca.gov. Hotline operators are available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. seven days a week, with callers able to leave a message at other times. Be sure to provide the location and description of the animal, as well as the date found, and if the animal is physically intact or not.

Other information is available at www.sjmosquito.org.

Jeff Hood
Communications Specialist
City of Lodi