Report a dead or dying Crow, Blue Jay or Hawk

Instructions:
Please use this online form to submit reports of dead crows, blue jays and hawks. Most of the following data is required so that reports can be adequately analyzed and follow-up can be conducted if necessary. Thank you for participating in this ongoing surveillance effort!

Please DO NOT REPORT a bird that is decomposed, mauled by an animal, crushed, hit by a truck, etc. These birds cannot be properly examined in a laboratory for the WNV virus. We are primarily concerned with birds you have found that either obviously died recently or seem to by dying with no apparent injuries.

The Metro Areas Health Departments are now accepting reports of dead birds. Only a sample of dead birds that meet specific criteria will be picked up and tested for the West Nile virus. However, your report of a dead bird is extremely important to us because dead bird reports may indicate the presence of West Nile virus. If you do not receive a call back from the Department of Health within 2 business days of making your report, please dispose of the bird.

There is currently no evidence that West Nile virus can be spread directly from birds to people. However, dead birds can carry a variety of diseases and, therefore, should never be handled with bare hands.

To dispose of a dead bird, use plastic or latex gloves to carefully place it in a double plastic bag. Or you may use a doubled plastic bag as a glove to pick up the bird. Then wrap the bird in the bag, tie it off and place it in the outdoor trash. Wash your hands with soap and water when finished.