Detection and Reporting of West Nile Virus

The New York State Department of Health monitors West Nile activity by testing samples from birds, mosquitoes, animals and humans. Samples of dead birds and of mosquito pools have been particularly helpful in pinpointing areas of West Nile activity in the state. Because crows are very sensitive to West Nile virus, dead crow reports, even without any laboratory testing, have been very valuable in providing an early warning of risk to people.