Mosquitoes collected along the Boise River northwest of Parma have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The mosquito trap, tested by the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories, is the sixth Canyon County trap that has tested positive for the disease since early July, the county announced Tuesday. Continued hot and dry weather has led to an increase in the populations of the mosquito species that can be a carrier of West Nile Virus. Since this species of mosquito (Culex tarsalis) feeds on birds and follows the patterns of the movement of migratory water fowl, West Nile virus is more prevalent along the Boise River and at the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. All of the West Nile Virus activity that has been detected in te past two weeks has occurred in these areas, said Ed Burnett, director of the Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District. The abatement district will continue its monitoring program, mosquito larvae control efforts and night time “fogging” activity on and near West Nile virus affected areas, Burnett said. The latest positive trap location along Sharp Lane near Parma will mean an increase in abatement activities in this area and in Parma. Routine mosquito abatement activities continue countywide, he said.