08/10/06 West Nile virus update

Idaho has more cases of West Nile virus than any other state and now it may be killing the squirrels. As of Tuesday the state reported 95 human cases of West Nile Virus. Two of the victims have died, ten required hospitalization. Despite repeated warnings by veterinarians to have animals vaccinated 86 Idaho horses have tested positive for West Nile and so have 51 birds. But Southwest Idaho squirrels are dying and some experts say the West Nile may be the reason. A Boise group that helps animals in distress reports seeing more than 100 sick squirrels in the past five to six weeks. Some had tremors and eye problems but most had paralysis in the rear legs. A Meridian veterinarian says he confirmed West Nile virus in one of three squirrels brought to his office. All three died and it was the blood sample from one of them that confirmed the virus. State health officials say the mosquitoes will remain in southern Idaho until we get a hard freeze, probably sometime in October. Senator Mike Crapo will hold a field hearing tomorrow in Moscow on farm policy. Beginning at 9 am at the University of Idaho the hearing will feature testimony from Idahoans involved in production agriculture to those to run the state food banks. This is one of more than a dozen field hearings regarding the next farm bill. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott