West Nile Virus Surveillance And Response Plan

This publication is intended to contribute to prevention and control of the morbidity and mortality associated with dengue and to serve as an authoritative reference source for health workers and researchers. These guidelines are not intended to replace national guidelines but to assist in the development of national or regional guidelines. They are expected to remain valid for five years (until 2014), although developments in research could change their validity.--Publisher's description.

Recommendations include the implementation of a surveillance program that includes the identification of mosquito breeding locations, a prevention program that includes the distribution of items such as insect repellant and larvicide briquettes and a response program to mitigate further spread of WNV.

This document outlines a co-ordinated provincial plan for responding to west Nile virus in Alberta. Key components of the plan are set out with regard to minimizing the risk of infection to humans; testing & surveillance of birds for presence of the virus; surveillance of horses for virus infection and providing information for veterinarians & horse owners; and mosquito surveillance & control programs.