West Nile Virus Detected In Delaware For The First Time In 2023
West Nile Virus has been detected in Delaware. This is the first case in 2023, according to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
The case is with a sentinel chicken station near Wilmington, and was sampled on July 31 by the DNREC Mosquito Control Section. The sample was then tested and reported virus positive by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory.
There have been no reported West Nile Virus cases in humans this year. Delawareans are reminded that the possibility of contracting mosquito-transmitted diseases, including WNV and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The threat will continue until colder autumn temperatures arrive in mid-October or later.
Those infected with West Nile Virus will typically not show symptoms. One fifth may develop a mild illness with a fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting and a rash.
Use common sense to prevent mosquito bites, and if you have farm animals they should be kept inside from dawn until dusk.
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Delaware Endangered Species List Is Now Up To 86 Species
Delaware Endangered Species List Is Now Up To 86 Species
It’s hard to believe that our little state of Delaware is home to a number of threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Some of the best known of these are the Leatherback Sea Turtle, Mud Salamander, Sperm Whale, Atlantic Sturgeon, Bethany Beach Firefly and the Delmarva Fox Squirrel.
The Delmarva Fox Squirrel used to be common in the state. These squirrels were nationally listed as an endangered species, but removed in 2015. However, they do remain on Delaware’s list. According to DNREC, the squirrel has been reintroduced into the first state in surrounding Delmarva arras in an effort to have them removed from Delaware’s list of most endangered. The most recent release was last year, in 2022.
The First State now lists 86 species as endangered or threatened. The law provides regulations for the conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats in which they are found. Title 7 of the Annotated Code of Delaware prohibits the importation, transportation, possession, or sale of any part of an endangered species of fish or wildlife.
Here are some of the most endangered species here in the first state. See the full list of all of Delaware’s endangered species here.
