Despite wild birds being a major player in mosquito-disease transmission, chickens are unique. They have a very special ability where diseases called arboviruses don't affect them the same way they affect us or other animals. Arboviruses are diseases spread by insects. 

Arboviruses such as West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Saint Louis Encephalitis don't make chickens sick. Instead, their bodies almost instantly start fighting the viruses by developing antibodies. This happens so fast, the chickens defeat the virus before ever falling ill. Studies show they make antibodies about 5 times faster than humans! 

Because of this special ability, chickens are integral in early detection of arbovirus diseases and most mosquito management programs across the country use them. 

Each district or program may differ, but Sarasota County Mosquito Management utilizes Barred Rock chickens. 

Only female hens are used. Roosters cause noise pollution and are prohibited in certain parts of the county. In addition, Mosquito Management must rear them as chicks and cannot use chickens that may have previously been exposed to mosquitoes. 

Like dogs or cats, the breed of chicken often has traits that make them more or less easy to work with. The Barred Rock, also called Plymouth Rock Chickens, are usually very docile and friendly. They are also suitable for both the cold and heat. All in all, the Barred Rock are considered to be a fantastic breed for disease surveillance. 

Their Job: 

Once the chickens are mature, they will be placed at one of twelve locations throughout Sarasota County. The majority of their day consists of a normal life of preening, feeding, and laying eggs.

They are cared for by staff members, and once a week a blood sample is taken from under their wing. The veins under their wings are easy to find and thus make the process as minimally invasive as possible. The draw takes under a minute and collects 2.5mL of blood, or less than 1/2 teaspoon. 

The blood is then tested for the presence or absence of antibodies at the Florida State Department of Health laboratory.   

Retirement: 

The end goal for each chicken is to retire happy and healthy after one year of service. An early retirement may be needed for chickens that test positive for antibodies, because any future test on them will show the presence of antibodies.  

Apply to adopt retired sentinels or rescued chickens or roosters using our online application, or a physical or emailed form may be submitted. 

Coops are located throughout Sarasota County. Some are on private land and others on county property. Coops should be left undisturbed by the public unless given explicit permission by Mosquito Management.

A few factors are used to determine where a sentinel coop can be located:

• Areas with a human population that are more susceptible to severe infection from mosquito-borne illness, such as very young or very old residents in close proximity. 
• Areas that are not heavily trafficked where the coop can be undisturbed. 
• Areas that have frequent mosquito species that are of human health concern.  

If you're interested in a closer look, tours at the Mosquito Management campus include a visit with the Avian Outreach chicken, Bluey! 

When a chicken is retired, they are adopted out. Mosquito Management will keep chickens on-site until they can be placed with new families. Applicants should fill out the online form or contact Mosquito Management to potentially be placed on the candidate list for adoptions. 

Applicants who are concerned about chickens that have tested positive for antibodies: don't worry! The antibodies are not live virus and are not an indication of sickness. Antibodies mean the virus was detected and destroyed by the white blood cells.

Chickens that have developed antibodies can still be used to produce eggs and cannot transmit West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or Saint Louis Encephalitis.  

Residents who need to rehome chickens or roosters may contact Mosquito Management to inquire about surrenders. Please understand that intake is dependant on available space.