Online Dead Bird Reporting Form
Help Monitor Diseases in Your Area
Dead birds in an area may indicate that West Nile virus is present. Birds in the United States and San Diego County have tested positive for West Nile virus.
Dead Bird Surveillance Program
San Diego County is testing selected dead birds for West Nile virus. If you find a dead bird, please notify our office immediately at 1-888-551-INFO (4636), or click here to alert vector staff for bird collection. Weekend and Holiday Reporting: If you are reporting a dead bird during the weekend or on a holiday, please call Station M at (858) 565-5255.
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West Nile virus is transmitted among birds and mosquitoes. San Diego County is testingCorvids (crows, ravens, and jays) andRaptors (hawks and owls) for West Nile virus. Birds, particularly crows and jays, infected with West Nile virus can die or become ill. Over 230 species of birds are known to have been infected with West Nile virus.
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Criteria for Collecting Dead Birds for Testing
The bird must be dead for less than 24 hours. If you are not sure if the bird you have found is less than 24 hours old, look for the following clues:
1. The bird should not be stiff.
2. There should be no ants or flies covering the bird.
3. The bird should not have a foul odor.
4. The bird should be intact.
a. No missing body parts.
b. No physical injuries.
c. Eyeballs must be intact (disease testing done with bird eye fluid).
DO NOT FREEZE THE BIRD.
Safely Handling Dead Birds
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Use caution if you must handle a dead bird:
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Do not touch dead birds with your bare hands.
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Wear gloves or use a shovel to pick the bird up.
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Wear protective eyewear to prevent bird fluids from being splashed into your eyes when the bird is wet, large or covered with feces.
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Do not eat or smoke while handling the bird.
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Double bag the dead bird by placing it into one plastic bag and then placing that bag into another plastic bag.
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Wash your hands with soap and warm water IMMEDIATELY after handling the bird.
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