Every once in a while, a “new” disease pops up and we all totally freak out. Often, these aren’t actually new—it’s just that we catch on that they’re going around (sometimes, they’re omnipresent, making them paradoxically invisible: check out Rotavirus for more on that). In any case, in addition to SARS, one of the more recent ones we’re freaked out about is West Nile.

If you see dead birds, call the Health Dept, wear DEET-containing repellent, eliminate mosquito breeding areas, clear out undergrowth to encourage air flow in your yard, yadda yadda yadda.

Of course, it usually isn’t very bad if you aren’t immune-compromised, and in any case it kills thousands fewer than your typical influenza bug. Which do you think gets more coverage, though?

Hey, I have an idea! It’s been shown that human infections of West Nile pick up in late summer, coinciding with the migratory patterns of WNV-carrying mosquitoes’ favorite bloodmeal: the robin. It’s hard to prove it conclusively, but it sure seems that as their preferred meal moves away from an area, mosquitoes turn to their second choice—people. In other areas of the country, similar things have been shown with crows. Mebbe we should go out of our way to feed and accommodate those birdies and keep them around as long as possible. Here, birdy birdy…better you than me.

Of course, that could create other issues…