The Boston Herald is reporting this afternoon that West Nile has been
discovered in a dead crow in the Jamaica Plain area of Boston. Pesticide
spraying will begin, but the extent of spraying has not yet been determined,
pending mosquito tests. Some public health officials are recommending a
2-mile area around Willow Pond in Jamaica Plain be sprayed. There is some
controversy because the crow could have flown in from another area—as much as
200 miles away.
   The proposed 2-mile zone begins at the banks of the Charles River to the
north and extends south across the Arnold Arboretum. The area is bordered to
the east by the working-class neighborhoods of Roxbury, and to the west, by
Brookline, an upscale area of large homes and gardens.
   From the Herald story:
   "The pesticides likely to be used are in a class called synthetic
pyrethriods, which are said to mimic a naturally occuring pesticide found in
chrysanthemums. The chemicals are resmethrin, active ingredient in the brand
Scourge; and sumithrin, active ingredient in the brand Anvil."
   Also from the story:
   "Spraying is most effective at dusk, and residents will be alerted through
radio and television notices, said Anita Barry, a director at Boston's Public
Health Commission. During spraying, people are advised to stay indoors with
windows closed and keep pets and children inside.
   "Nevertheless, 'people do not need to be overly concerned about the
effects of the spray,' Barry said.
   "Since Willow Pond lies on the border of Brookline, that city's Board of
Selectmen must determine whether to spray locally. Alan Balsam, Brookline's
health commissioner, said he will recommend spraying. The prospect of
spraying raised concerns among environmental activists."
   Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, sounding a lot like New York Mayor Rudolph
Guiliani last year, was asked if the decision to spray might be an
over-reaction. "I'd rather jump the gun than  be sorry later on."