ATWATER, Calif. (KMPH) -
Merced County health officials say a dead bird found in Atwater has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The bird, an American Crow, was found back on May 22, and is the first evidence this year that West Nile Virus is circulating in Merced County.
Workers with the county's Mosquito Abatement District sprayed and disinfected the area. Officials say this is a routine practice to ward off mosquitoes.
If you need to report a dead bird, you can call the California Department of Public Health at 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or visit westnile.ca.gov/report_wnv.php.
