Western equine encephalitis hits Nevada chickens

The Washoe County Health District says chickens in Lemmon Valley have tested positive for Western Equine Encephalitis.

Authorities say chickens are good test subjects because they have immunity, but will test positive for the virus. “What we do is, every two weeks or so, we come out and we take blood samples and that way we can tell if mosquitoes have bitten the chickens and given them the viruses,” says Tracie Douglas.

Health officials say the Western Equine Encephalitis is a rare disease in humans, but still anyone can get it.

Some people maybe more at risk than others including those living in or visiting an area that has infected mosquitoes. Read more...