DENVER -- A dead magpie with West Nile virus has been found close to the center of Golden, Colo.

The bird, found near a dumpster, was examined by the Jefferson County Health Department on July 24. The bird tested positive for West Nile virus Tuesday.

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The bird was first of 14 that have been found dead or dying in the city that has tested positive for the virus.

Birds belonging to the corvid species are of the most interest, to health officials and are the only birds being tested by the Department of Health. Corvids include Crows, Ravens, Magpies, and Jays. Residents who find sick or dead corvids only are asked to contact the Golden Police Department at (303) 384-8045 for testing and disposal.

The City of Golden has larvicide available free of charge at the Public Works Department at 1445 10th St. for prevention. The larvicide is a naturally occurring bacterium that kills only mosquito larvae and is harmless to humans and other animals. The larvicide is useful for areas of standing water, such as ornamental ponds, fountains, livestock water tanks and other standing water areas.

Information about how the West Nile virus is spread, mosquito prevention, risk and symptoms of West Nile virus and photos of the corvid species of birds can be found online at www.fightthebitecolorado.com or by calling the Jefferson County Health Department at (303) 271-5777.