Through an Illinois Department of Public Health Vector Control Grant, our staff conducts public surveillance, consultation and education, trapping, identification, monitoring, and mapping of the Culex Pipiens (a.k.a. Northern House mosquito), Aedes Albopictus (Asian Tiger mosquito which is know to inhabit used tire piles), and many others which transmit the West Nile Virus (WNV) St. Louis, LaCrosse and Western Equine Encephalitis viruses. Control and elimination of mosquito areas and population are then targeted. Identification and control of the mosquito population is an important public health function due to their ability to pass disease.
The Department annually from May 15th until October 15th accepts common breeds of dead birds discovered which have naturally died and were found to be dead less than 24 hours at any location within the County. The birds, if meeting specific criteria are then sent to the Illinois Department of Agriculture Animal Disease Laboratory for analysis of the WNV. The birds are sentinels for the indication of the viruses’ presence in that area. Upons finding large populations of mosquitoes or a WNV positive bird, the trapping of the mosquitoes begin. The collections will be tested to validate whether the presence of the viruses are in that particular area. Larvicides are utilized to eliminate mosquitoes while in their larvae stage to reduce the adult mosquito population thus decreasing the chance of the disease spreading to the human or equine population.
To obtain information regarding the removal of used tires contact the Illinois Environmental Protection Bureau of Land EPA office @ 217-557-8704. To report any type of mosquito pestilence or a dead bird contact the Greene County Health Department @ 217-942-6961.
To obtain information regarding removal of used tires for mosquito control, contact Environmental Protection Bureau of Land EPA office.
Phone: (217) 557-8704