Signs Symptoms Of West Nile Virus

Mange is linked to squirrel decline

In recent months San Bernardino mountain area residents have seen fewer Western gray squirrels, and reported sick and dying animals to the Department of Fish and Game.

Fish and Game didn’t have the resources to do a study on the declining squirrel population, but the state West Nile Virus hotline cooperated with the department to try to get test results on sick and dying squirrels. Fish and Game submitted three samples for testing, and VCA Animal Hospital in Big Bear Lake also submitted three or four more samples for the study, according to Jeff Villepique, Fish and Game wildlife biologist.

Those results are in. Researchers have determined that tree squirrels are becoming sick and dying from mange, a skin disease caused by mites.

The species of mange mites affecting gray squirrels has been preliminarily identified as Notoedres centrifera, which is specific to rodents and cannot infect humans, cats or dogs.

Veterinary researchers caution residents that local wildlife, including coyotes, raccoons and bobcats often carry other species of mites that can infect their pets and, rarely, people.

While the reason for the squirrel mange outbreak is not known, Villepique explained that a high population density of squirrels and aggregation at feeders makes the spread of any disease far more likely. “Gray squirrels were at higher numbers than natural foods would support, because artificial feeding is prevalent in the mountain communities,” Villepique said. “The inevitable consequence when you combine an artificially-high population with animals gathering at food sources is the eventual spread of disease.”

Fish and Game biologists worked closely with the California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab in San Bernardino, and University of California-Davis veterinary researchers to find the cause of the die off.

Thorough examinations of a number of squirrels from Big Bear Valley show only illness that can be explained by the mange mites. Although West Nile virus has been detected in squirrels in the mountain communities in recent years, no squirrels tested positive for West Nile Virus so far this year. California’s West Nile Virus monitoring program continues to cooperate with UC-Davis researchers to share information.

If your pet scratches excessively or develops scabs, seek veterinary care. Symptoms could be indicative of one of the other forms of mange, which are readily treatable in pets. Do not feed squirrels because of the potential for spreading disease.

Insect bites & stings :: The Prepper Broadcasting Network

Allergic Reaction – Pain, itching, hives, redness or discoloration at site, trouble breathing, signs of shock (pale, cold, drowsy, etc.)

If a mosquito bite – watch for signs of West Nile Virus (most symptoms appear 2 to 15 days after being bitten) … Mild flu-like symptoms – fever, headache & body aches, Mild skin rash and swollen - Call Fire Department or bee removal expert if needed.

To relieve pain from an insect bite or sting:

Activated charcoal – Make a paste using 2-3 capsules and a small amount of warm water. Dab paste on sting site and cover with gauze or plastic to keep it moist. This will help draw out venom so it collects on your skin. Note, powder makes a black mess but easily wiped off with a towel.

Baking Soda – Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda + 1 part warm water and apply to the sting site for 15-20 minutes.

Clay mudpack – If in the wilderness, put a mudpack over injury and cover with bandage or cloth. The mudpack must be a mix of clay-containing soil since clay is the key element but don’t use if any skin is cracked or broken.

Meat tenderizer – Mixing meat tenderizer (check ingredient list for “papain”) with warm water and applying to the sting will help break down insect venom. (Papain is a natural enzyme derived from papaya.)

Urine (Pee) – Another remedy useful in the wilderness sounds totally gross (but has a history of medical applications in a number of cultures) is urine (pee) which reduces the stinging pain. (Unless you have a urinary tract infection, the pee will be sterile and at the least won’t do any harm.

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