Positive West Nile chicken in Franklin

A sentinel chicken in Franklin has tested positive with West Nile virus, according to Jessie Boudreax of Cajun Mosquito Control.
The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab has confirmed the outcome on Friday.
“We are now following the CDC Expanded Transmission Protocol measures for West Nile virus in this area,” Boudreaux said.
The location of the chicken will be considered to be the epicenter of the problem.
Residents in the area are being informed that there is a heightened potential for encephalitis infection in the City of Franklin and that personal protection and yard sanitation is recommended. Reminders include avoiding mosquitoes and their peak activity times of dusk and dawn. But if one must be outside, wear insect repellant. Links to helpful information are provided through Cajun’s website at cajunmosquitocontrol.com and the official journal, Banner Tribune.
Residents are also encouraged to remove any standing water around their homes or businesses.
During the evening hours ULV Truck mounted sprayers have been assigned to spray the city in an effort to reduce and maintain the vector population below the critical level as noted in the CDC Expanded Protocol measures.
Spraying was conducted Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
The efficacy of these operations will be determined through the use of Gravid traps that are scheduled for operation immediately following the completion of the control activities.
The number of mosquitoes collected will serve to quantify the adult population and provide specimens to be submitted for testing at Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab.