The chickens, which serve as early indicators of virus activity, were distributed Monday to mosquito abatement departments. About 14 agencies picked up a total of 450 of the birds in Provo, and will place them throughout the state.
The chickens will be tested within the next week to make sure they are free of the virus. They will begin undergoing weekly testing in about five weeks.
The virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. If the virus is detected, health officials will notify the public, set up traps to capture mosquitoes and begin spraying insecticide in that area.
"The chickens are very valuable stationary birds," said Gary Hatch, manager of the Davis County Mosquito Abatement District. "We know when and where they were bitten and it gives us a good indication of the area it occurred."
Last year was drier than normal, and the state saw a mild West Nile season. This year has been much wetter, providing better conditions for mosquitoes to breed in.
Because mosquitoes can fly up to 15 miles, this year's cases could pop up anywhere, said Lance Madigan, public information officer with the Utah County Department of Health.
Most humans who become infected never show symptoms. But the virus can cause flulike symptoms and on a rare occasions, life-threatening conditions like a coma, seizures or blindness.
Although several counties had no reports of human West Nile Virus infections last year, counties close to the Great Salt Lake reported the highest numbers.
The state health department says out of 68 total infections reported statewide in 2007, Salt Lake County had 28; Cache County had 11; Davis County had five and Box Elder County had eight. Those numbers include two deaths statewide.
The first reported human illness in Utah was in 2003. The first human death was in 2005.
* 2003: 1 case, no deaths
* 2004: 11 cases, no deaths
* 2005: 52 cases, 1 death
* 2006: 158 cases, 5 deaths
* 2007: 68 cases, 2 deaths
* It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
* Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside.
* Keep window screens and screen doors closed and make sure they are in good condition.
* Stay away from standing water sources around housing areas.
* Mosquitos look for shady areas, so keep weeds and grass cut short.
* Use mosquito netting or a tent when sleeping outside.
* Spray pesticides and use repellent.
* Symptoms can occur three to 15 days after contact with the mosquito. Most people will never get symptoms, but those who do could develop flulike symptoms such as fever, body aches and a rash.
* In rare, severe cases, West Nile Virus can cause coma, seizure and even death. People age 50 and older are at the highest risk of developing a severe reaction.
* Because people rarely become sick from a mosquito bite, it is not necessary to be tested for West Nile Virus.
* People with flulike symptoms usually recover fairly quickly; however, people with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle weakness or disorientation or confusion should see a doctor immediately.
Source: Utah County Department of Health
