We monitor mosquito populations by setting mosquito traps and looking for larvae in selected locations, investigate reports of humans who have been diagnosed by a health care provider with WNV, and inform local residents and visitors on how to reduce exposure to insects like mosquitoes.
Mosquito traps are set weekly and mosquitoes within the traps are sent to a laboratory for identification and tested for WNV. This information informs us of the types of mosquitoes present in Simcoe and Muskoka and if they are carrying WNV.
Larval dipping surveillance provides information about the number and type of mosquito larvae present in an area. Larval dipping is the collection of mosquito larvae from sites such as storm water management ponds, catch basins, and natural sites such as ditches. We do this to monitor the types of mosquitoes breeding in an area. Larval dipping is also conducted weekly.
As of 2009, dead birds are no longer collected by the health unit for WNV surveillance information. If you are concerned about a dead bird you have found on your property, the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) may be interested. For more information, visit their website or contact them toll-free at 1-866-673-4781.