Termed “Sentinel Chickens,” these are standard, run-of-the-mill chickens purchased on the open market, at a young age when they haven’t had the chance to be exposed to Encephalitis viruses. Placed six-to-a-cage in 13 “flocks” strategically located throughout the county, these chickens provide early warning that disease-carrying mosquitoes are in the vicinity.

Although some birds, most notably corvids, or crows, are fatally susceptible to West Nile Virus, chickens are unaffected by WNV or any other of the Encephalitis viruses found here in Hillsborough County. They do, however, develop antibodies, which show up in their blood approximately 10 days after infection. Blood from a vein on the underside of the chickens’ wings is drawn and tested twice weekly to check for the presence of these antibodies. An initial “Reactive” result, which means the chicken may have been infected, sends the Mosquito Control section into high gear. The area is inspected and treated to eliminate any infected mosquitoes. If secondary testing results in a “Positive” result, the area is evaluated again and treated if necessary. Most “Reactives” however, turn out to be false alarms. As the saying goes, “Better safe than sorry!”

Check our Alerts page to find out if there is any evidence of virus cropping up in your neighborhood.