Assignment: The West Nile Virus Exploration Use the following websites to read more about the West Nile virus and its spread to populations of
birds, reptiles, and mammals:
Centers for Disease Control: West Nile Virus
USGS West Nile Virus Map
.
You may also conduct a keyword search for "West Nile USGS NWHC" to find information.
1. Read information about the West Nile virus and its effect on the bird population in the state you
live in. If your state has not been affected yet, choose another state that has. In your state,
how many birds have tested positive for the West Nile virus? Estimate what percentage of the
total resident bird population this number represents.
2. Study the data from the USGS website to learn more about the spread of the disease. Write a
brief description of what has happened to the population since 1997
3. Where in the United States and what year was the first documented case?