|
|
|
West Nile Virus in Local Birds |
West Nile Virus (WNV) is currently being found
in dead birds in multiple parts of the county. The
first dead bird to test positive in our county this year
was on April 26, 2008. A notable increase in WNV
in birds began in mid-to-late May, approximately two
months earlier than the season began in 2007.
Veterinary Public Health works with the California
Department of Public Health and local mosquito control
agencies in conducting West Nile Virus surveillance in
Los Angeles County. Reports of dead birds and dead
tree squirrels are taken, and samples appropriate for
testing are collected. Click on map icon at right to see
the most recent map.
(Last updated 7/10/08)
To report dead birds or dead tree squirrels click
here.
|
|
|
|
You buy a little green turtle with red jellybean patches behind its eyes, a cute
plastic lagoon bowl with a little palm tree, and a little turtle food in a box
or bag. Maybe you are told that the turtle will grow to fit the bowl and live its
life there; maybe that is what you think—after all, the turtle is so small. It is
so cute. So trouble-free. An ideal pet for you, your child, your family? Red-eared
sliders can live up to thirty years. Only individuals willing to commit time, energy
and money should consider a turtle for a pet.
Click here for full color handout or
here for black and white version
Click here for more information
Click
here for the latest Animal Health Alert (2/1/08)
|
|
|
The first rabid animal diagnosed in Los Angeles County occurred in 1898 when an
Englishman told the Health Officer his dog, which was uncontrollable, might have
rabies. Confirmatory tests were run in Chicago. The following year, a man who was
bitten on his nose by his rabid cocker spaniel became the first known human rabies
death in the County.
In June of 1909, a police officer shot a collie dog with rabies. Within a month,
the police officer shot three more suspected rabid dogs found within five blocks of
the original dog. That year, another muzzling ordinance was passed the same month
by the board of health...more
|
|
|
|
Rabies-Positive Brain Sample
|
| Rabies-positive brain sample. Photo is taken through a fluorescent microscope.
The brain sample from the rabid animal was prepared on glass slides, incubated with
fluorescent antibodies that attach to the virus, and then viewed through the
microscope. The rabies virus is seen as small fluorescent clusters throughout the
sample. Photo Courtesy Los Angeles County Public Health Laboratory, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
For The Public/Pet Owners
|
|
|
