More Information Anyone who finds a dead bird is encouraged to report the finding to the museum and research center by calling (785) 864-3926 or electronically by visiting http://www.nhm.ku.edu/birds. Search KU News releases Subscribe now to receive KU News by email

Contact: Bradley Kemp, KU Natural History Museum, (785) 864-4540.

KU researchers ask public for help monitoring spread of West Nile virus

LAWRENCE -- Officials at the University of Kansas Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Research Center are asking residents of eastern Kansas to report sightings of dead birds so that researchers can monitor the potential spread of the West Nile virus into Kansas.

The West Nile virus can cause serious illness in humans and has caused several deaths since it was first detected in the United States two years ago. The virus is transmitted to humans and horses by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds, some of which die. The virus has recently been documented in Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee and Iowa.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sampling tissues from dead birds may be the best way to detect the presence of the virus in new regions. Scientists at the museum will collect dead birds found in good condition and send them to be tested for the virus.

A. Townsend Peterson, curator of birds at the museum, said Kansans could take a number of simple steps to reduce risk of infection if the virus spreads into the state, including eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.

An outbreak of the West Nile virus in New York City during summer 1999 caused several human deaths and thousands of bird deaths. Most of the birds found dead were crows and blue jays, but the virus can kill dozens of species. The virus may be most actively spread during bird migration season and while the weather is warm enough for mosquitoes to be active.

"Historically, natural history museums played an important role in investigating diseases," Peterson said. "Given the potential public health importance of West Nile virus, we are pleased to provide this service for Kansas."