Disease Monitoring

LCMCD employs 18 strategically placed chicken coops throughout the county to act as an early warning detection for diseases. Samples of the chicken’s blood is tested on a regular basis for the presence of antibodies to West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and St. Louis Encephalitis. These diseases occur naturally within the wild bird populations and can be transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito. By sampling from strategically placed coops, LCMCD can get an advanced warning when these diseases are present in Lee County. In addition to sentinel chicken flocks, LCMCD also routinely samples for, and tests, mosquitoes capable of spreading diseases. Mosquitoes are collected in traps placed throughout the county and the additional testing helps to survey locations where coops are not located. This proactive approach helps to ensure we prevent the spread of diseases to humans.