FreeLists / va-richmond-general / [va-richmond-general] Re: Crisis in Ohio -- Raptor Mortality -- WNV implicated

[WEalding@xxxxxxx]

I have to wonder if the raptor deaths are due to pesticide poisoning as a 
response to the mad media overblown panic about West Nile virus.  The 
description of the condition of the Great Horned Owls reminded me very much 
of the description of the Swainson's Hawks that were poisoned in Argentina as 
a result of exposure to insecticides used to control grasshoppers.

This morning on NPR they had a segment with someone from Patuxent who cares 
for the whooping cranes, and Sibley, trying to put the risk to humans in 
context.  Despite all the hype, only 17 people have died from West Nile virus 
this year.  Compared with 40,000+ deaths from motor vehicle accidents, and 
400,000+ from smoking each year.

Wendy Ealding


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