West Nile Virus Hotline – 866-627-7968
If you discover a dead bird on your property, call the Public Health Hotline before you call Animal Control. Follow their instructions. The Animal Control Officer will assist you if requested by the Mass. Dept. of Public Health. If no testing is required, dispose of the bird by throwing it in the woods near your residence, or in your household trash. Dead animals on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.
What can you do to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood?
To reduce mosquito populations around your home and neighborhood, get rid of any standing water that is available for mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes will breed in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days. Here are some simple steps you can take:
1. Dispose of or regularly empty any metal cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots and other water holding containers (including trash cans) on your property.
2. Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have collected on your property. Tires, are a common place for mosquitoes to breed.
3. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors, so that water can drain out.
4. Clean clogged roof gutters; remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of rainwater.
5. Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
6. Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths. Aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.
7. Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing water from pool covers.
8. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
For more information:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Division of Epidemiology and immunization (617) 983-6800
(for questions about WNV and consultations for health care providers and hospitals on WNV) Bureau of Environmental Health Assessment (617) 624-5757
To report dead birds: 1-866-MASS WNV(1-866-627-7968).
Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (617) 626-1781 (for questions about regional mosquito control programs)
Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project (781) 585-5450
Norwell Board of Health: (781) 659-8016
Brian T. Flynn, RS, Health Agent
Pat Cummings, Administrative Secretary
| 
