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Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, August 8, 2007 9 Halton free of West Nile virus but officials warn-- `it's early' MELANIE HENNESSEY Special to The IFP As Halton heads into the months when human cases of West Nile (WNv) virus are most likely to show up, the Region's health department is encouraging residents to cover up and wear bug spray. While the virus actually hasn't been detected in any local humans, birds or mosquito pools this season, Halton manager of enteric and vector-borne diseases Lisa Fortuna says "it's still early." "The most important thing people can do is wear proper protective clothing and an insect repellent containing DEET," she said. "They should also remove standing water on their properties where mosquitoes can reproduce." In addition, Fortuna noted that residents are being asked to call the health department to report dead bird sightings as soon as possible, which helps the Region track the presence of WNv. Since starting the annual surveillance program in May, Halton residents have reported 658 dead birds-- down from the 987 found by the same time last year. "The bird population is so depleted from past seasons, there may not be as many around for the die off," Fortuna explained, noting numbers all across the province are down. So far eight of the local reported birds-- three crows and five blue jays-- have been sent for testing, but all came back negative. By the end of July in 2006, one crow had tested positive for WNv. Fortuna said in order for a bird to be eligible for testing, it has to be a crow or blue jay, be in good shape and have died very recently. "The birds are not getting to us in a timely manner," she said. If the bird isn't going to be picked up, staff will give instructions on how to dispose of it safely. In addition to tracking dead birds, the health department has also been busy applying mosquito larvicide to standing water in the region. So far 220 larvicide applications have been made, which is up from the 71 applications made by the same time last year. Fortuna said staff only uses the larvicide when a certain species of mosquitoes able to carry West Nile is discovered. "We have a very comprehensive prevention program," she added. The health department has consistently found WNv activity in Halton's bird population since 2001 and the mosquito population since 2002. There was only one case of WNv diagnosed in a Halton resident last year. For more information visit www.halton.ca/wnv. To report a dead bird call 905-8256000 or e-mail wnv@halton.ca. APPY HOUR AT BP's SPORTS BAR GEORGETOWN Classic Potato Skins Cactus Cut Potatoes Panzerotti Roll Chicken Fingers Spinach and Artichoke Dip Thai Chicken Bites Starter Chicken Wings Chicken Quesadilla Nachos With Chicken or Beef $799 $550 $825 $575 $849 $600 $899 $650 $899 $650 $799 $550 $899 $650 $899 $650 $999 $700 $825 $1699 $1175 LOUNGE ONLY Appy Platter Monday - Thursday 3pm - 6pm & 9pm to Close BOSTON PIZZA GEORGETOWN 319 Guelph St. (905) 877-8005 Registered trademarks of Boston Pizza Royalties Limited Partnership, used under license. Boston Pizza International Inc. 2007 Valid at participating locations only. LOWEST PRICES OF THE YEAR! LESS THAN DEALER COST 07 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 07 EXPLORER LIMITED Stk.# X73564 Stk.# X73623 07 EXPLORER V8 XLT ...SALE PRICING ALSO AVAILABLE ON ALL 2007's 07 FUSION SE MSRP $ Stk.# X73611 ·black with stone cloth interior ·running boards ·trailer tow pkg. ·reverse sensing ·entertainment system MSRP $ ·dark cherry with tan leather interior ·trailer tow pkg. ·moonroof ·entertainment system ·power fold 3rd seat ·black with black leather interior ·quad seating ·loaded 26,264 $ LEASE/MONTH SALE PRICE $ 23,156 MSRP * OR 259 * plus 0% financing 48,164 $ 40,399 NOW * MSRP $ 56,784 $ 47,599 NOW * MSRP $ 56,614 $ 47,299 NOW * 07 FOCUS ZX5 $ and 0% financing! and 0% financing! and 0% financing! $ 21,219 Stk.# S73404 CONCEPT FORD G E O R G E T O W N Putting You First 361 Guelph St. (Hwy. 7) SALE PRICE 18,400 * OR $ plus 0% financing LEASE/MONTH 209 * 07 EDGE SEL ALL WHEEL DRIVE MSRP $ Stk.# U73365 905.873.1626 SALE PRICE 40,549 $ www.conceptford.com $ 35,791 * OR Purchase and lease prices are plus freight (Focus $1100, others $1250), admin fee ($299), license and all taxes. Leases are 48 months, 20,000km/yr, excess mileage 12 cents /km, $1999. downpayment. 0% financing on 36 months for Explorers. O.A.C. See dealer for details. plus 0% financing LEASE/MONTH 478 *