West Nile virus infects certain wild birds. Of those infected, particular birds—crows, jays, ravens, and magpies—tend to become sick and die from infection. Increasing numbers of dead birds can serve as an indicator of the presence of West Nile virus in a community.

Reporting Dead Birds
To help with West Nile virus surveillance, we encourage residents to report and submit dead birds.  Please phone Environmental Health at (360) 417-2431 to report dead crows, jays, ravens, and magpies.

Not all dead birds will be collected or tested, but it is important to track dead bird sightings.  Environmental Health will advise you on whether the bird should be submitted for testing.  The surveillance program is particularly interested in groups of dead birds and birds that were observed acting strangely before death. 

Please do not report birds when there is some other obvious cause of death.  Birds that have been shot, hit by cars, or had some other type of trauma cannot be tested, and are not useful for surveillance purposes.

When you contact Environmental Health, we will ask for the following information:

• Your name and contact information (at least a phone number)
• Specific location of the dead bird (including street address, nearest cross street and other helpful directions to find the specific location)
• Day and time found

Testing Season
Because of reduced mosquito activity in colder weather, the Washington Dept. of Health suspends bird testing during the winter months.  During this time, birds will not be sent for testing, but Environmental Health will still track reports of dead birds.  Please continue to report them.

Handling Dead Birds
There is no evidence that West Nile virus is spread directly from dead birds to humans.  However, bare-handed contact with dead animals should always be avoided.  Use a shovel or wear gloves when handling a carcass.

If the bird will be tested, Environmental Health will make arrangements with you to collect it.  If you handle the bird, please use a shovel or wear gloves to place it inside a plastic bag and close.  Then place it inside a second plastic bag and close. Place the bag in a refrigerator or ice chest that is not used for food.  If that's not possible, please place plastic bags of ice over the dead bird and cover it with a bucket until health officials arrive.

If the bird will not be sent for testing, it may be discarded with your domestic garbage.  Please avoid bare-handed contact while disposing of the bird.