Dead Birds And Other Things

Our 4-year-old came running into the house yesterday, totally hyped up...

"Mom! Dad! Look what I found!"

Nestled in the palms of his two small hands was a dead morning dove he had found in the flower garden. What was unusual about the bird - no broken neck (so we assume it didn't fly into anything) - no outward signs of sores or abrasions (we assume it didn't fly into traffic) - no unusual markings, moltings or anything else.

In fact, other than being stone cold stiff and dead, on first appearance it looked peacefully asleep and in perfect health.

Since we haven't sprayed any dangerous chemicals, even that possibility was out - maybe?

As the editor for the local Healthy Families bi-monthly newsletter in our area, I'm often more "in the loop" than most regarding health news and information in our region. What many people don't realize is that dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area. Over 130 species of birds are known to have been infected with West Nile virus, though not all infected birds will die.

The Center For Disease Control (CDC) seeks everyone's help for their communities by reporting dead birds as one measure to monitor and track the spread of West Nile Virus.

"By reporting dead birds to state and local health departments, you can play an important role in monitoring West Nile virus. State and local agencies have different policies for collecting and testing birds, so check the Links to State and Local Government Sites page to find information about reporting dead birds in your area. Click here for more info about reporting dead birds and dealing with bird carcasses."

Speaking of West Nile Virus, did you know 777 cases were reported last year in California alone (23 deaths)?

Sidenote: According to a CNN report, West Nile virus first arrived in 1999 in New York. Last year there were 2,470 cases and 88 deaths. The highest number of U.S. cases came in 2003, when 9,682 people were infected and 264 died.

Mosquitoes are reported to be the culprit spreading this virus (and more).

Needless to say, large and powerful companies are already gearing up for sales of their repellents this year ...and DEET is still on the list of the CDCs top repellents. When I was a Purchasing Agent for one Ministry in Canada, DEET was a banned substance on my list of approved repellents (although it was readily available for public use ...just not for use by government workers in the field - go figure).

Sidenote: DEET was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1946 and has been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as an approved active ingredient since 1957.

Personally, I don't like slapping any chemicals on my skin. I know too well the damage toxins can do and how quickly they can be absorbed by the skin. This year, the CDC has finally broadened their list of approved repellents to include one more chemical (picaridin) and now, a natural alternative (oil of lemon eucalyptus).

Here's something I prefer, which may surprise a few people: Purifying Mist

But that's a room deodorizer, you say?

Yes, it sure is. In fact it's quite effective as both a room deodorizer AND an odor eliminator, and yet it also has a main ingredient that I've found can be quite effective as a mosquito repellent: grapefruit seed extract.

Go ahead --- take a bottle on your next camping trip and test it out.

In my humble opinion, it's a far safer alternative to smearing chemicals all over the skin.

Until next time... Have a super weekend!