In Prince George's

Dead bird tests positive for West Nile virus

LANHAM - A grackle found near Lanham is the first Maryland bird that has tested positive for the West Nile virus this year, the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said yesterday.

State officials monitoring the virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, said they have tested 231 birds since May 8. The bird that tested positive for the virus was found in the 7200 block of Patterson St.

Officials urge residents to remove standing water on their property that could provide a breeding site for mosquitoes. Dead or dying crows, blue jays, grackles or raptors can be reported by calling 866-866-CROW (866-866-2769).

In Maryland

UM names coordinator of health, security center

The University of Maryland has named a former government terrorism expert, Michael Greenberger, as head of its Center for Health and Homeland Security.

University President David J. Ramsay created the center after the terrorist attacks Sept. 11 to coordinate and expand relevant research, policy and health programs in the institution's several professional schools and in the graduate school.

Greenberger, a visiting professor at the University of Maryland School of Law for the past year, served as deputy associate attorney general at the U.S. Justice Department from 1999 until last year. His responsibilities in that position included counterterrorism.