The Antelope Valley Times

Your community. Your issues. Your news.

  • Home
  • Latest News
  • Local
    • Palmdale
    • Lancaster
    • Los Angeles County
    • Littlerock
    • Lake Los Angeles
    • Rosamond
    • Edwards AFB
    • Acton
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Advertise
    • About
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Show Search

Great horned owl tests positive for West Nile virus in Lancaster

by The AV Times Staff • July 21, 2022 Leave a Comment

[File]
LANCASTER – A great horned owl recently tested positive for West Nile virus in Lancaster, the second indication of West Nile virus in the Antelope Valley for the 2022 season, authorities announced Thursday.

The sick owl was discovered near 30th Street East and Avenue H, according to a news release from the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (AVMVCD).

“The owl was alive but ill when it was picked up by a veterinarian and taken to the Ojai Raptor Center for care” said Karen Mellor, district entomologist. The owl is reportedly recovering at the Raptor Center.

The first indication of West Nile virus in the Antelope Valley for the 2022 season was reported last month. The AVMVCD reported on June 14 that mosquitoes collected from a trap near 40th Street East and Avenue J-8 in Lancaster had tested positive for West Nile virus.

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in United States, and is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. People diagnosed with West Nile virus may experience flulike symptoms that can include fever, body aches, skin rash, and fatigue. In some people, West Nile virus can develop into a more serious form of the disease and can even be fatal.

Hot weather is ideal for breeding mosquitoes, which can go from egg to adult in just five days in stagnant water. AVMVCD officials are urging residents to do their part to protect themselves from mosquito bites by following these recommendations:

  • Check property for standing water and get rid of it.
  • When mosquitoes are active, use EPA registered insect repellents that contain one of these main ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535 according to label instructions.
  • If weather permits, wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
  • Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good repair to avoid mosquitoes in the home.
  • Check around faucets and air conditioner units, and repair leaks or puddles that remain for several days.
  • Report daytime biting mosquitoes to the AVMVCD at 661-942-2917.
  • Report stagnant pools and other backyard sources to the AVMVCD at 661-942-2917.
  • Report dead birds by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).

To stay up-to-date on West Nile Virus activity in the Antelope Valley and other mosquito related information visit www.avmosquito.org.

[Information via news release from the the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District.]

–

Filed Under: Health, Home, Lancaster

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Comments

  • Patty Gibson on Fatal motorcycle crashes on the rise, local authorities issue safety tips for riding and driving: “Cars drive in packs and on congested freeways looking out for truckers and big rigs to stay alive, kinda like…” Aug 10, 10:12
  • Dave on Readers Speak Out! (July 2022): “Grow up” Aug 10, 10:06
  • Dave on Readers Speak Out! (July 2022): “When you’re pledging your allegiance to a person and not this Country as Trump supporters have, there is nothing patriotic…” Aug 10, 10:04
  • Donald Trump on Readers Speak Out! (July 2022): “If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?” Aug 10, 09:00
  • America's Most Says Deal Me Out on Readers Speak Out! (July 2022): “Always had respect for FBI under J. Edgar Hoover, but the current corruption, incompetence and partisan weaponization of our leading…” Aug 10, 08:53

Copyright © 2022 · The AV Times LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of Use