Questions on Birds and Reporting

Q: What does a dead bird tell us about West Nile virus?

A: West Nile Virus is fatal to some birds, especially crows and blue jays. The dead birds are often used as an indicator when the virus enters a geographic area.

Q: How do I report a dead bird if I see one?

A: Report all dead birds you find by calling the Cortland County Health Department at 753-5035 or report online. Health Department staff will record all incidents of ill or dead birds.

Q: What information do I need to give the Health Department?

A: Health Department staff will need to know the specific location of the dead bird (including town, street & nearest cross street) and the date found. You will also be asked for your name and phone number. Birds that have died within the last 24 hours and that have not begun to decompose, will be picked-up and sent in for testing for West Nile virus.

Q: What happens after I report a dead bird?

A: The Health Department will arrange for pickup of birds that have died within the last 24 hours and have not begun to decompose for testing for West Nile virus. All other reported dead birds should be disposed of properly (see below).

Q: What if I find a dead bird in my yard, but the Health Department cannot come right away?

A: Birds waiting to be picked up should be kept cold by either: 1) placing a bag of ice on the bird and covering the carcass with a pail, or 2) placing the bird with ice in a cooler not used for food. Use gloves if handling the bird. 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.

Q: What if the Health Department decides not to test the dead bird I found in my yard?

A: If the dead bird is not going to be sent in for testing, it can be double bagged and placed in an outdoor garbage can.

Q: How long does it take to test a dead bird for West Nile virus?

A: The New York State Department of Health tests dead birds according to geographical priority, not the date received. Therefore, it is impossible to provide timeframes. At a minimum it will be several weeks.

Q: Will I receive the results of the test?

A: All persons who submitted a dead bird and have positive test results will be contacted by the Health Department. Persons who submitted a bird that did not test positive will not receive a follow-up call.

Q: Are pet birds or poultry at risk for West Nile virus?

A: At this time, the Health Department does not have enough information to answer this question with complete accuracy. Chickens have died of the virus. However, all dead birds of any type must be reported to the Health Department. It is important to remember that birds cannot transmit West Nile virus to people.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Nile Virus

General Questions
Questions on Illness
Questions on Birds and Reporting
Questions on Pets (Dogs, Cats, Birds)
Questions on Horses
Questions on Mosquitoes
Questions on Prevention (Mosquitoes, Environment)
Questions on DEET