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Rabbits Face Their Own Virus Outbreak
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Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, also called RHDV2, has been identified for the first time in wild rabbits in California after a property owner in San Bernardino County discovered multiple dead rabbits on their property. RHDV2 was first detected in North America on Vancouver Island in 2018, and has since spread to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as Mexico. It is likely that RHDV2 will be seen in other areas of California in the future.
There is some good news, however: RHDV2 doesn't infect humans or animals other than rabbits. While this virus doesn't pose a threat to human health, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the US Department of Agriculture have recommended that owners of domestic rabbits take steps to isolate their animals from wild rabbits. The public should report unusual numbers of sick or dead rabbits to CDFW by calling (916) 358-2790 or online on the CDFW website.
Learn more about RHDV2 in California.
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Don't Take Chances with Rabies
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When you think of rabies, you might be reminded of a classic horror film in which a rabid dog terrorizes a family. While dog bites are the primary source of human rabies infections worldwide, most rabies exposures in the United States occur through contact with wildlife. In California, bats are the animal most commonly infected with rabies. Most bats aren't infected with rabies, but you can't tell from looking a bat if it's carrying rabies or not. To make matters worse, it's not always obvious if a person has been bitten or scratched by a bat because they're so small. If a person has had any contact with a bat, they should tell their healthcare provider promptly so they can be treated for rabies exposure if needed.
Don't let fear of injections prevent you from seeking medical attention after a suspected rabies exposure. While previous human rabies vaccines involved many injections in the abdomen, the modern rabies vaccine is a series of three injections and is usually given in the arm. That may still not sound like much fun, but it's certainly better than developing rabies. Human rabies infections are almost 100% fatal if not treated before symptoms begin. Learn more about rabies in California.
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July Board Meeting Held Remotely
In order to comply with the shelter-in-place order, Board of Trustees meetings will be held via teleconference until further notice. The July Board of Trustees meeting will be held on July 8th, 2020 at 6pm.
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Mosquito Population Update
Adult mosquito trap counts for all species are averaging below five per trap night, which is below average for Culex pipiens at this time of year, but consistent with the five-year average for other species. Adult mosquito abundance will likely continue to rise as the daily temperatures increase in the summer months. Breeding sources of mosquito larvae are declining as spring progresses and many impounds and marsh sources are drying. Mosquito breeding shifts during warmer months primarily to backyard ornamental ponds, fountains and containers, and creeks with standing water pockets and underground sources like storm drains or leaking pipes. This May there were 106 larval samples submitted to the laboratory. The most frequently occurring species in larval samples was Culiseta incidens, the cool weather mosquito, present in 73 of the 106 larval samples. Culex pipiens, the northern house mosquito, was also collected frequently this past month, present in 28 of the 106 samples. Read more.
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Our Work by the Numbers
Technicians continue to respond to resident service requests that don't require in-person contact with residents. In May, technicians responded to 384 service requests, including 186 reports of mosquitoes or standing water, 56 rodent inspections, and 84 yellowjacket or wasp nest removals. Read more.
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We may have recently celebrated California Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week, but that won't stop us from celebrating National Mosquito Control Awareness Week this month! Here are a few things you can do to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus:
- Apply an EPA-registered mosquito repellent whenever mosquitoes are biting. Choose a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, and apply according to the label instructions
- Dress defensively in loose-fitting long sleeves, long pants, and shoes with socks
- Install screens on windows and doors and keep them in good repair, or keep windows and doors closed
- Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including in flower pots, old tires, buckets, pet dishes, and kids' toys
- Repair leaks under and around your home
- Keep gutters and drains clear of leaves and other debris
- If you notice mosquitoes, let us know! Call (650) 344-8592 or make a service request online
Learn more about preventing mosquitoes and reducing your risk of mosquito-borne illness.
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