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Programs -> Mosquitoes -> West Nile Virus -> Sentinel Chickens
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Sentinel Chickens:
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| Bleeding a Chicken |
The District uses sentinel chickens in rural parts of the county to detect West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases. They serve as an early indicator of disease in areas where dead birds are less likely to be seen and/or reported. From May through October, sentinel chickens are bled bi-weekly and their blood is tested for the presence of West Nile virus antibodies and other mosquito-borne diseases. They are bled humanely by a lancet similar to a finger prick. Chickens usually do not get sick from mosquito-borne diseases.
No West Nile virus antibodies have been detected in sentinel chickens in San Mateo County.
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