Edmonton... Albertans are once again reminded to take personal precautions this summer to reduce their risk of infection with West Nile virus as the province prepares for the potential return of the disease.

"It is difficult to predict the occurrence of West Nile virus in the province from year to year," said Dr. Karen Grimsrud, Deputy Provincial Health Officer. "It is important for all Albertans to take steps to reduce their own risk of infection this summer, not just at home but also if they are travelling throughout the province, the rest of Canada and the U.S."

In 2005 Alberta had 10 human cases of West Nile virus, three of which were contracted outside of the province. Seven positive birds, three positive horses and one positive mosquito pool were also reported. However, in 2003 there were 275 human infections.

This year the province will continue to gather evidence about the virus through a surveillance program, looking for evidence of the virus in mosquitoes, birds such as crows and magpies, horses and humans.

Bird surveillance will begin June 1, and this year will be limited to the southeastern portion of the province - the area east of Highway #2 and south of Highway #12. Albertans in this region are encouraged to bring any fresh crow, magpie, jay or raven carcasses to the nearest Fish and Wildlife office (call 310-0000 toll-free for locations). Any birds found dead of unknown causes should be handled using gloves or plastic bags. If bird carcasses can't be brought in right away, they can be placed in a freezer. If bird carcasses are dried out or decomposing, they are not useful for testing, but they can be disposed of by wrapping in plastic and placing with regular household waste.

"Bird surveillance will discontinue as soon as six birds have tested positive in the Grasslands natural region, the area of greatest risk in Alberta," stated Dr. Margo Pybus, Provincial Wildlife Disease Specialist with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.

Mosquito surveillance will continue with a similar strategy used last summer. Surveillance centres in southern and central Alberta will monitor mosquito species and submit mosquitoes for testing. Trapping will increase within and outside these areas should the virus become active.

Based on previous infection rates, funding has again been provided to municipalities in the areas at highest risk for infection to help them deliver mosquito control programs aimed at reducing the number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the species most likely to carry the virus.

"Mosquito surveillance will continue with the help of participating municipalities in the southern and eastern parts of the province. The information they collect helps us understand more about the interaction of the mosquito and the virus, and also the influence of the weather," said Jock McIntosh, Alberta Environment's insect and pesticide specialist. "We'll continue to work with municipalities in these higher risk areas to provide guidance on mosquito larval control in standing water."

Dr. Gerald Ollis, Chief Provincial Veterinarian, reminds veterinarians and horse owners that suspected and confirmed cases of West Nile virus infections in horses are still reportable in Alberta. "As for prevention, horse owners shouldn't hesitate to discuss preventative measures, such as vaccinations or other options, with their veterinarian," said Ollis.

"Personal protective measures, such as using an insect repellent containing DEET, when outdoors is the best protection against West Nile virus," said Dr. Grimsrud. Another precaution people can take is wearing long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Beginning in July, the Government of Alberta will launch a public awareness campaign to inform Albertans about the precautions they should take to reduce their risk of infection from West Nile virus. Reliable information is available online at www.fightthebite.info, or by calling Health Link Alberta - in Edmonton, call 408-LINK (5465); in Calgary, call 943-LINK (5465); or, outside the Edmonton and Calgary local calling areas, call toll-free 1-866-408-LINK (5465).

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A copy of West Nile Virus: Alberta's Response Plan (2006) is available at www.fightthebite.info.

To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

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