A dead crow found in Ailsa Craig has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit says it is the second dead crow to have tested positive in the London-area this year.

Last week, a bird that tested positive for the virus was found in London near Oxford St. and Wonderland Rd.

“These birds remind us that West Nile Virus is present in Middlesex-London and that we need to take the steps to protect ourselves and family from mosquito bites,” says Jeremy Hogeveen, Vector-Borne Disease Coordinator with the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

The Health Unit says the best way to protect yourself from the West Nile Virus is to:

• Wear light coloured clothing with long-sleeves, pants and socks in areas where mosquitoes are present, especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active.
• Use an insect repellent with DEET. Follow directions for use, especially for children.
• Fix holes in screens, windows and doors.
• Regularly empty standing water from garbage cans, wheelbarrows, toys, flowerpots and saucers, pool covers, tires, and other items around your home and yard.
• Clean clogged eaves troughs.
• Clean and change water in bird baths every other day.
• Keep pool pumps circulating.
• Aerate ponds or stock them with fish.
• Cover openings in rain barrels.

The Health Unit is asking the community to reduce mosquito populations by getting rid of any standing water on your property.

It also encourages anyone who sees standing water to report it to the Health Unit by calling 519-663-5317, ext. 2300.