The purpose of this program is to prevent
the occurrence or spread of vector-borne disease through
educating the public and providing technical assistance to individuals
regarding potential disease-carrying vectors, and conducting investigations
and surveillance to identify the presence and source of various
vector-borne diseases.
Report a dead bird. West Nile virus infects certain wild birds. Of those infected, crows, jays, ravens, magpies, and hawks tend to become sick and die. Increasing numbers of dead birds may be an indication of West Nile virus in our community. You can help by reporting dead crows, jays, ravens, magpies, and hawks here
Your dead bird report is important to us and will be used for monitoring purposes. Although it is important for public health officials to track dead bird sightings, only some dead birds will be collected and tested for West Nile virus.
If you have found a dead bird in good condition, please keep it. Double-bag the bird using a shovel, gloves, or plastic bags over your hands. Place it in a cool place, such as a cool garage or a bucket with ice packs. You may be contacted to determine whether the bird is suitable for testing. If you have not been contacted within 24 hours, please safely dispose of the bird in your trash.
Other dead birds are monitored for avian influenza and other diseases. Report:
Single waterfowl or shorebirds, and wild bird die-offs - Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife at 1-800-606-8768
Domestic poultry - Washington State Department of Agriculture at 1-800-606-3056
Bats, Animal Bites, and Rabies: Activities
include assuring the proper quarantine of dogs, cats and ferrets
that have bitten humans and when necessary, collecting and submitting
animals for rabies analysis. To report an animal bite, fill out
an Animal
Bite Incident Report and fax immediately to 509-754-0941.
For more information on rabies, go to the Washington Department
of Health web
site. Other vector-borne disease topics can be found here.
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