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WEST NILE VIRUS INFORMATION What should you do if you find a dead bird Information and Handling Instructions As part of the surveillance plan for West Nile Virus, The Department of Health is monitoring dead birds in Pennsylvania, particularly crows, blue jays, and birds of prey such as hawks, owls, and kestrels. Deaths from these species of birds could best indicate the presence and activity of West Nile Virus in Berks County. Not every dead bird is worth testing. West Nile Virus can be isolated only from relatively fresh carcasses---dead within 48 hours or less. What should be done if a dead crow. blue jay or hawk is found? If you find one or more of these birds, the Department of Health may be able to isolate the virus from the carcass should it be the cause of death. Call 1-877-PA-HEALTH or (610) 378-4352 locally for instructions on how to get the bird to their offices. If you know the bird(s) has been dead for more than 48 hours or if other birds have been found, the Department of Health should still be contacted. Your report will help determine if more intensive surveillance efforts are needed in your area. Before you call the Department of Health about a dead bird, you should have the following information: 1. Location (Township, Borough, etc.)2. Street or Route address3. Date Noticed4. Number of dead birds observed.How should a dead crow. blue jay or hawk be collected? Use rubber gloves whenever handling any sick or dead animal. If you do not have gloves, insert your hand into a plastic bag, grasp the bird carefully and invert the bag over the bird. Each bird should be placed in a tied plastic bag, then placed in a second tied bag. Double bagging prevents cross-contamination of individual birds and leaking containers that may contaminate vehicles and handlers during transportation. Specimens should be kept cool but not frozen. Attach a tag or a piece of paper to the bag with the following information: a. Species (if known) b. Date and/or Time collected c. Location where the specimen was found (town/borough) d. Condition of the bird when discovered (dead/alive/dying) e. Your name, address and phone number f. Include any additional history on the back of the tag. Call1-877-HEALTH or 610-378-4352 for more information or transportation arrangements Call the Berks County Conservation District at 610-372-4657 ext.214 if your call concerns a mosquito-breeding area. |
