• How to Report a Dead or Sick Bird or Mammal Instructions and a link to the on-line reporting form used to report dead or sick wildlife in Michigan. | • The West Nile Virus Working Group This multi-agency working group was formed in 2000 to address the threat of West Nile virus to Michigan. | • WNV Testing | • WNV Description & Distribution West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that primarily infects and multiplies in birds. | • History of West Nile Virus West Nile virus was first discovered Uganda in 1937, and has recently spread beyond its traditional boundaries to Europe and the United States. | • WNV Transmission and Development West Nile Virus is carried by birds and is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. | • WNV Clinical Signs and Pathology The majority of humans infected with West Nile virus will have no signs of illness or will experience a mild flu-like illness. | • WNV Diagnosis Diagnosis generally begins with the observation of clinical signs consistent with West Nile virus and is confirmed by laboratory testing. | • WNV Treatment and Control There is currently no specific treatment beyond supportive care for West Nile virus. | • WNV Significance Members of the corvid family (crows, blue jays and ravens) are most severely impacted by West Nile virus, although it can infect and cause illness in horses,humans and other birds and mammals. |
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