Human vaccines: This strategy would not decrease the spread of the virus, since humans are a dead-end host, but would reduce the incidence of serious illness and death among people. Although several vaccines are in development, none are yet available for use.
Bird vaccines: This strategy targets the main amplification host. An effective bird vaccine would prevent birds from getting sick and dying, but also protect humans from infection. One vaccine, licensed for use in horses, has been tested in birds with some success. Drs. Kilpatrick and Kramer showed that the vaccine can reduce the amount of virus in robins.
Mosquito control: This strategy targets the vector; it would protect both birds and humans from getting bitten and infected. Mosquito control methods include pesticides, biological-control agents, and trapping.