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Chickens are useful monitors for the presence of virus in the mosquito population. Chickens have the ability to produce antibodies to several
mosquito borne viruses and it is these antibodies that are detected by laboratory tests. Although initial set-up can be costly, sentinel flocks are a cost-efficient method of monitoring for the presence
of certain viruses. Each flock consists of 5 hens in specially designed cages that protect the animals from the
elements while leaving them accessible to mosquitoes. Cages have automatic waterers and a local caretaker ensures that the hens are fed. A small drop of blood is collected
from the comb of the bird every two weeks onto filter paper. The sample is then eluted from the paper filter and sent to the State Lab for testing. |
