A second dead crow found in Santa Clarita this year has been confirmed to have died from West Nile Virus and a third mosquito sample tested has positive in Newhall, according to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.

The new bird carcass was picked up Aug. 29 in the 23000 block of Via Avant, next to Valencia Glen Park, agency spokeswoman Crystal Brown said. It’s the second feathered West Nile victim found in Valencia. Last week the agency reported that a dead crow collected from the 27000 block of Benten Court in the Valencia-Northbridge area Aug. 26 tested positive for the virus.

A seasonal epidemic that causes clear signs of sickness in about 1 of 150 infected people, West Nile Virus is typically transmitted through mosquito bites.

One new mosquito sample – a collection of several mosquitoes from a single area – was collected in Newhall, bringing the community total to three this year. Canyon Country and Valencia each had one sample test positive this summer, although none in the past week.

Throughout Los Angeles County, the past week saw 13 new West Nile virus cases in dead birds, 24 new virus-positive mosquito samples and six sentinel chickens showing West Nile Virus antibodies, the agency said.

Totals for the Greater L.A. District so far this year are 130 dead birds, 342 mosquito samples and 19 sentinel chickens. Statewide, there have been 398 dead birds, 1,479 positive mosquito samples and 135 sentinel chickens showing virus antibodies.

To report a dead bird or squirrel, visit www.westnile.ca.gov or call 1-877-WNV-BIRD.