The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District announced this week that Brentwood is at an elevated risk for West Nile virus. The determination stems from a report from the West Nile virus state hotline program that processes, analyzes, and reports risk data based on dead bird reports from the public. The risk is based on dead birds that died in Contra Costa County, not necessarily dead birds that confirmed positive for West Nile Virus.

CCMVCD also announced that four more dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. One dead bird was found in Byron at Camino Diablo Road and Byron Highway. Three dead birds were found in Brentwood: one at Breakwater Way and Minnesota Avenue; one at Second Street and Pine Street; and one at Clearview Drive and Longleaf Court.

“Dead bird reports are crucial information for our control efforts, even if the birds don’t get picked up and tested,” said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager for the District. “This is how the system is designed; it only works when people call in the birds they find. Due to the large volume of calls, reports back to the callers are not possible, but rest assured, each and every report is valuable in determining where human cases may occur and where to concentrate our mosquito control efforts.”

The public is urged to continue to call in dead birds they find to the state hotline: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).