To protect public health, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved his motion directing the Public Health Office to continue its collaborative efforts for surveillance and mosquito control with the Mosquito and Vector Control Districts. 

“It is essential that the County Public Health sustain and increase their efforts with the Public Health Speakers Bureau to outreach to City Councils, Town Councils, and other community organizations in the cities and rural areas,” said Supervisor Antonovich.  “This is necessary to educate the community on how to prevent humans and animals from becoming infected with the West Nile Virus.”

Last week, a West Nile infected chicken was found in a flock kept near Division Street in Lancaster by the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.  As more West Nile Virus cases are identified, it is important to pursue every avenue to protect individuals and animals from the virus.

The motion also requires the Public Health Office to produce a written activity report in 30 days, detailing its outreach efforts, including educational meetings on West Nile’s impact on horse owners, animal supply stores, adult day care centers, and senior homes, and reinforcement of the necessary precautions of using mosquito repellents and eliminating water sources that may harbor mosquitoes.