Grant County Health District

West Nile Virus Surveillance: During warmer months, usually April through October, the Health District takes dead bird reports from the community and when appropriate, birds are collected and submitted for WNV testing. For more information on WNV, please click here for the Department of Health's website. You can also get information on WNV at CDC's website by clicking here. Other vector-borne disease topics can be found here. If you would like addtional information about vector control, please visit our Environmental health programs page here.

How do I report a dead bird?

                                        
West Nile virus infects certain wild birds. Of those infected, particular birds (crows, jays, ravens, and magpies) 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 and other birds to the Grant County Health District at (509) 754-6060. You will be advised on whether the bird should be submitted for testing. Although it is important for public health officials to track dead bird sightings, many dead birds will not be collected or tested. In general, the birds listed above will be collected if they are freshly dead with no apparent injuries. If you find a dead bird that you think might be eligible for testing it should be kept cold until it is collected.

While there is no evidence that you can get West Nile virus from handling dead birds, avoid bare-handed contact. Use a shovel, rubber gloves or double inverted grocery bag to pick up the carcass. Dead birds not collected for testing should be sealed in double plastic bags and discarded in an outdoor garbage can. 

For healthcare provider information regarding West Nile Virus, click here