Did You Find a Dead Bird?
The New York State Department of Health is no longer testing birds for West Nile virus. West Nile virus is present in all areas of New York State.
If you find a dead bird:
- Use gloves or a shovel and pick up the bird
- Put it in a plastic bag and double bag it
- Throw it away in your garbage can
- Wash hands with soap and hot water
- Call the Health Department at 366-2526 to report the location the dead bird was found
Why report a dead bird?
Reporting the location of a dead bird (primarily crows, bluejays and raptop type species or ill captive birds) may help detect an unusual cluster and may indicate an elevated presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in your community.
Identifying unusual clusters of dead birds is an important component of Madison County Health Department's surveillance program because:
- After a mosquito has fed on a bird infected with West Nile Virus, that mosquito may feed on humans, infecting them with WNV.
- Certain birds die after being infected with West Nile Virus and act as sentinels that WNV may be present in the community.
Note: Eastern Equine Encephalitis is not fatal to most birds infected with the virus, but can be fatal to horses, dogs and humans. Owners of horses or pets that exhibit neurological symptoms prior to expiring are urged to report such animal deaths to the Health Department.