First 2023 Delaware Evidence of West Nile Virus Detected in DNREC’s Sentinel Chickens

No Human Cases of WNV Reported to Date in State; Equine
Owners Urged by Department of Agriculture to Vaccinate Animals

West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in Delaware the first time for 2023 in a sentinel chicken, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. This initial finding was from a sentinel chicken station near Wilmington sampled on July 31 by the DNREC Mosquito Control Section, and then tested and reported virus positive by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory on Aug. 4. While there have been no reported WNV cases in humans this year in the state, Delawareans are reminded that the possibility of contracting mosquito-transmitted diseases, including WNV and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), will continue until colder autumn temperatures arrive in mid-October or later.

Blood samples are collected by the DNREC Mosquito Control section each week from early July into October from the state’s outdoor-caged sentinel chickens that are humanely housed and handled at 20 monitoring stations statewide. The blood samples are tested for WNV and EEE antibodies by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory. Sentinel chickens bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV or EEE develop antibodies to these diseases but are otherwise unaffected. Mosquitoes can transmit both WNV and EEE to humans and horses.

Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, but about 20% can develop a mild illness, including fever, body and muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, and rash symptoms. A small number of people can develop serious illness involving neurological problems, paralysis, and possibly death. The Division of Public Health Disease Prevention & Control Section reports that Delaware had one confirmed case of invasive WNV in 2022, and none so far this year. EEE is not as prevalent as WNV but can present more severe symptoms in humans and horses.

The public is reminded to take common-sense precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing light-colored clothing of long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas; applying insect repellent containing 10 to 30% diethyltoluamide (DEET) in accordance with label instructions; and avoiding mosquito-infested areas and at times of peak mosquito activity around dusk, dawn and at night.

According to the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA), there were no equine cases of WNV or EEE in 2022. The State Veterinarian urges horse owners to contact their veterinarians to vaccinate horses and other equines against WNV and EEE. Both vaccines are highly effective in minimizing disease and may be the reason why Delaware had no equine cases in 2022. Horses that have been vaccinated in the past will need an annual booster shot. Neither disease has a specific drug treatment, and infections in horses are fatal in 70% to 90% of EEE cases and 30% of WNV cases.

Spraying to reduce mosquito populations in areas where WNV or EEE is detected may be initiated by the DNREC Mosquito Control Section as warranted, based on factors to include mosquito population levels and mosquito species present in affected areas. To reduce mosquito-breeding habitat and chances of disease transmission, residents should drain or remove outdoor items that collect water, such as discarded buckets or containers, uncovered trashcans, stagnant birdbaths, unprotected rain barrels or cisterns, old tires, upright wheelbarrows, flowerpot liners, depressions in boat tarps, clogged rain gutters, corrugated downspout extenders, and unused swimming pools.

Horse owners can take several additional steps in the barn and around the farm to help protect horses from mosquito bites. Horses should be kept inside at dawn and dusk, peak hours for mosquito activity. Topical insect repellents labeled for use on horses may be applied. Wind generated by fans installed in horse stalls can also help deter mosquitoes. Water troughs or buckets should be emptied, cleaned, and refilled every 2-3 days to remove mosquito eggs or larvae.

For mosquito biology/ecology and control, contact the DNREC Mosquito Control section office in Dover at 302-739-9917.
- For requests for mosquito relief in upstate areas from Dover north, contact Mosquito Control’s Glasgow field office at 302-836-2555.
- For requests for mosquito relief in downstate areas south of Dover, contact Mosquito Control’s Milford field office at 302-422-1512.
For animal health questions, contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health Section at 302-698-4500.
To report suspected cases of human WNV, call the Delaware Division of Public Health Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology toll-free at 888-295-5156.
- For more information on West Nile virus or eastern equine encephalitis, visit cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov
DDA: Stacey Hofmann, stacey.hofmann@delaware.gov

###

DNREC’s Brandywine Zoo Welcomes Baby Pudu

Clover, a southern pudu brought to the Brandywine Zoo as part of an AZA Species Survival Plan, recently gave birth to a male baby pudu.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Brandywine Zoo are thrilled to announce Clover, a southern pudu at the zoo, welcomed a male baby the night of July 12. The new fawn is a significant contribution to the North American pudu population. Both Clover and her baby are doing well.

Clover, who has been at the zoo since April 2021, was joined by Ande, a 1-year-old male southern pudu, at the end of November from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Wash. Their pairing is part of an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), a conservation breeding program where vulnerable species in human care are optimally matched for genetic diversity to increase the population.

A name for the baby, who weighed in at 20 ounces – or four times the size of a hamster, will be chosen soon. Check the Delaware State Parks and Brandywine Zoo Facebook pages for updates as the baby progresses.

While they do have access to their exterior habitat at the zoo, Clover and her fawn are mainly keeping to their holding area for now, especially during hot summer temperatures. If they are seen in their exterior habitat, the public is asked to keep their voices down at this time.

Southern pudu are the second smallest deer in the world at 14 to 17 inches at shoulder height. There are fewer than 10,000 southern pudu left in the wild in Argentina and Chile. This pudu species is considered Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

While not currently endangered, the population in the wild is declining. Pudu face threats , including habitat loss due to logging and agriculture, feral dogs and poaching for the pet trade. AZA zoos, including the Brandywine Zoo, are working to maintain a long-term, genetically valuable population of southern pudu through their SSP program. There are only 45 pudu at 15 institutions in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan. Nine of these animals, including eight males are located at a facility in Argentina, so a new male in the U.S. population is a very welcome addition.

The Brandywine Zoo’s pudu were acquired as part of the zoo’s master plan, which was completed in 2018 and reestablishes the zoo’s commitment as an active contributor to the AZA’s conservation breeding programs.

Several other new additions have recently arrived at the Brandywine Zoo as SSP recommended moves and are visible to guests. These include a female Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, acquired in May. She is currently housed in the South American exhibit with the capybara, ducks and ibis. Hoffman’s sloth are currently listed as “least concern,” but their numbers in the wild are decreasing. Two yearling binturongs, which are also called southeast Asian bearcats, were acquired in June from a zoo in Michigan. These are tree dwelling animals and one of only two carnivores with a prehensile tail. Binturongs are listed as “vulnerable” and their populations in the wild are also declining.

The Brandywine Zoo, managed by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and is one of 238 accredited zoos and aquariums worldwide that meet the highest standard in animal care and welfare, and provide fun, safe and educational experiences.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov

###

Millsboro Wastewater Spill Closes Indian River Bay to Recreational Bivalve Shellfish Harvest Through Aug. 24

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has declared an emergency closure for recreational clamming and mussel harvest in Indian River Bay until Aug. 24. DNREC’s mandatory closure protective of public health came after a pump station connected to the town of Millsboro’s sanitary sewer system failed today, discharging raw sewage into the Iron Branch, a tributary of the Indian River, which flows into the bay.

The harvest of crabs, conch and finfish are not affected by the closure. Oysters grown commercially under aquaculture leases in Rehoboth Bay are not impacted or affected by the Indian River Bay closure. Recreational harvest of oysters is prohibited in Delaware.

The wastewater spill has potentially caused fecal contamination of shellfish in Indian River Bay, which according to National Shellfish Sanitation Program requirements, must be closed to bivalve shellfish harvest for 21 days to protect public health. The 21-day closure of shellfish harvest is a federal guideline that also gives bivalves time for natural cleansing.

DNREC also advises recreational water users to limit water contact in the upper Indian River Bay for the next few days, particularly in waters near the location of the spill.

The spill was stopped Wednesday afternoon. DNREC Division of Water staff are monitoring repairs at the Millsboro pump station. Delaware Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police working with the DNREC Delaware Shellfish Program are patrolling and monitoring Indian River Bay to enforce the closure of the bay to recreational bivalve harvest and to ensure recreational clammers are aware of it. More information about the closure and the Delaware Shellfish Program under DNREC authority can be found at de.gov/shellfish.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Water manages and protects Delaware’s water resources. The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship develops and implements innovative watershed assessment, monitoring and implementation activities. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

###

Young Environmentalists, Youth Anglers Honored at Delaware State Fair

DNREC Award winners were recognized during Governor’s Day at the Fair by both Governor John Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and by DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. Left to right: Lt. Gov. Hall-Long, Young Environmentalists Chris Runde and Spencer Tuxward, Gov. John Carney, Youth Fishing Tournament New Castle County winner Michael Hopkins, statewide and Sussex County winner Brody Spencer, Vedic Mukherjee (accepting his sister Iveena’s Young Environmentalist award), DNREC Secretary Garvin, and Kent County fishing tournament winner Bristol Brown. /DNREC photo

Three Delaware students from schools across the state were recognized with Young Environmentalists of the Year Awards. A program of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the awards were presented today by Governor John Carney and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin to the students, ages 10 to 17, in front of a crowd of fairgoers at the Delaware State Fair. The leaders also presented trophies to the top anglers of the 2023 Youth Fishing Tournament.

“Every year, I look forward to meeting our Young Environmentalist award honorees. These amazing young people are truly today’s environmental leaders, showing the way to a better future for Delaware and for our planet. This year, we are recognizing students who are leading efforts in protecting marine habitat, recycling, and reducing plastics use,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “In addition, the top three young anglers from our annual Youth Fishing Tournament have discovered the joy of catching a fish – and experienced the meaningful conservation act of releasing their catch.”

The three 2023 Young Environmentalists of the Year recognized today are:

Elementary School:
Spencer Tuxward, age 10, of Wyoming, 4th grade, W. Reily Brown Elementary School, Dover
As an active member of his school’s Eco-Team, Spencer is a role model for his fellow students, and is involved in recycling, feeding birds, growing vegetables in the school garden and promoting good stewardship of the school and grounds. Described as a “self-made environmentalist,” he also creates video presentations that reflect his love of nature. Spencer is especially interested in marine life, volunteering to rescue sea turtles and making and sharing videos about his work.
Special Recognition:
Chris Runde, age 17, of Milton,12th grade, Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes
On his own initiative, to help his community learn more about recycling, Chris looked into options for recycling cell phones and other rechargeable devices with lithium-ion batteries. He found Redwood Materials, a company that produces anode and cathode components from recycled batteries, and they sent Chris the materials to host a recycling initiative he launched on April 22, Earth Day 2023. In one day, he collected more than 300 pounds of old batteries and rechargeable devices and plans to do more community collections.
High School:
Iveena Mukherjee, age 16, of Wilmington, 12th grade, Charter School of Wilmington
Going into her senior year, Iveena is known for her “unwavering dedication to environmental conservation, advocacy and activism,” and has been recognized nationally and internationally, including honorable mention for the President’s Environmental Youth Award and a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Volunteer Award. Described as “a leading voice in youth activism,” the young scientist is actively seeking solutions to mitigate climate impacts, such as exploring the potential of biochar and epoxy resin to reduce plastic use, as well as leading a team that earned funding to continue a project studying RECON, a sustainable building material for carbon sequestration. Iveena has also been an integral part in her school’s Science Olympiad team, as well as creating five workshops for Delaware’s annual Youth Environmental Summit (YES!).

Now in its 30th year, DNREC’s Young Environmentalist of the Year Awards program recognizes Delaware students whose actions have helped protect, restore or enhance our natural resources by initiating an innovative project, practicing environmental stewardship, increasing public awareness or demonstrating environmental ethics. More information about the program can be found at de.gov/youngenvironmentalists.

The 2023 Youth Fishing Tournament winners who were presented their trophies today are:

Statewide and Sussex County winner Brody Spencer, age 11, of Dagsboro, took top honors by catching 8.52 pounds of fish in Ingrams Pond.
Kent County winner Bristol Brown, age 10, of Lewes, came in second place statewide, catching 6.87 pounds of fish at Akridge Scout Reservation Pond, including the largest fish of the tournament, a 5.6-pound largemouth bass.
New Castle County winner Michael Hopkins, age 8, of New Castle, took third place statewide, catching 3.47 pounds of fish at Lums Pond.

Established by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife and sponsored by the Delaware Natural Resources Police, the tournament introduces youth to the sport of fishing and teaches the catch-and-release approach to conservation. The 37th annual Youth Fishing Tournament was held June 3 at three locations, one in each county: Ingrams Pond in Sussex County, Akridge Scout Reservation in Kent County, and Lums Pond in New Castle County, with complete results here: Delaware Natural Resources Police Announce Winners of Youth Fishing Tournament.

More information about the annual tournament is available at de.gov/yft.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

###

DNREC to Offer ‘Life in the Bay’ Educational Youth Seining Program

Seining involves a long narrow net cast into the water followed by pulling the net in to see what kind of marine life was caught (and then released during the “Life in the Bay” seining program at DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center near Smyrna). /DNREC photo

New Outdoor Program Upcoming in August at Aquatic Resources Education Center

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control invites families to participate in a new educational program called “Life in the Bay” geared toward children age 6 and older, as well as adults who want to learn about fish and other aquatic creatures that live in the Delaware Bay.

Staff from DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife will be on hand to seine for aquatic creatures along the edge of the Delaware Bay and help participants discover and learn about aquatic life found there.

Program participants will observe AREC staff as they use a seine net to capture aquatic life along the shoreline. Later, participants will have an opportunity to view the catch and assist staff in releasing what has been caught by seining. Closed toed shoes are a must for participating in “Life in the Bay.” All other equipment will be provided by staff.

Seining programs are scheduled next month for:

Wednesday, Aug. 9, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 16, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

To ensure enough supplies are on hand for these free programs, pre-registration is required. To pre-register for the program, visit the DNREC events calendar, de.gov/dnrecmeetings. To learn more about AREC or the program, visit de.gov/arec.

Media contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov