Press Release on September 18, 2002

Audubon Senior Vice President of Science Frank Gill reported that Audubon has received preliminary reports from its field staff and public wildlife managers of thousands of bird deaths in the Midwest. Dr. Gill called on health and pest control authorities in the affected states to collect and test as many of these birds as possible, and reiterated Audubon's commitment to an integrated approach to the management of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus.

He also reminded public officials that draining wetlands would do little to combat the disease and would cause more harm than good in control of the virus.

"Over the course of the last two weeks, we have received reports of thousands of dead birds, especially owls, hawks, and other birds of prey." Gill said. "We are also seeing reports of birds 'missing' or appearing in greatly reduced numbers throughout the Midwest. While these reports are preliminary, we are greatly concerned that some of America's rarer birds are being decimated by West Nile Virus."

Gill called on states to take swift action by collecting and testing these birds to confirm the cause of death and employing integrated pest management techniques. "When taking into account the reports of mass bird deaths received here and the number of serious human cases nationwide, Audubon advises states to take prudent measures against the mosquitoes that carry the disease," he continued. "Our experience with West Nile in the Northeast shows that an integrated approach to pest management is the most effective and safest method available, one that will help people and wildlife."

Integrated pest management calls for mosquito surveillance; public education; removal of standing water in backyards and gutters; environmentally sound tools to combat insects; and a targeted approach to the use of pesticides. "Communities can greatly enhance their ability to eliminate disease-carrying mosquitoes by replacing chemical larvacides with bacteria-based products. These kill mosquitoes, but not the animals, amphibians, and fish that prey upon them," Gill continued. "By eliminating stagnant water in backyards and neighborhoods, communities decrease available breeding areas for mosquitoes. Homeowners can help; cleaning out gutters and removing tarps, tires, and other objects where water can collect prevents mosquitoes from reproducing."

Audubon has also received reports that some communities are considering draining wetlands to eliminate mosquito-breeding habitat. "This would be a grave mistake," Dr. Gill said. "Draining wetlands will not help and could hinder mosquito control. Healthy wetlands produce fish, amphibians, birds, and beneficial insects that prey upon and control mosquitoes. Maintaining healthy wetlands is low cost and it may be one of our best tools in fighting the disease."

Gill also notes the effect of West Nile falls primarily on our nation's birdlife. "Although the hundreds of reports we are receiving are preliminary, America's birds - especially crows and jays, and increasingly, it seems, our beloved hawks and owls - are the most common fatal victims of the disease," he stated. "This integrated approach to controlling mosquitoes will not only help people, but will also help our beleaguered birds to be more resistant to West Nile."

Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our growing network of community-based Audubon Centers, grass roots science programs for bird enthusiasts, and advocacy on behalf of ecosystems sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.

Audubon Society, September 18, 2002