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To Report a Dead Bird Dead birds in the summer and fall may be an important indicator of the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) in an area. Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District uses reports of dead birds to help determine areas where control and surveillance efforts may need to be focused or increased. Freshly dead corvids (crows, magpies, ravens and jays) can be tested at the District to determine whether they were killed by WNV if they are freshly dead (less than 24 hours preferably). Signs that a bird is freshly dead include: intact eyes, feathers attached, body intact (not rotted away), no maggot activity, supple (floppy) body, all body parts present. Please report freshly dead birds, particularly crows, magpies, ravens and jays, in or near the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District. To do so: Call the District office M-F between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM: 365-3768 Or call the California West Nile Virus Hotline: 1-(877) WNV-BIRD Or report dead birds online at westnile.ca.gov . Birds that have died from WNV cannot spread WNV directly to humans. WNV is spread to humans and animals by the bites of infected mosquitoes only - not by contact with dead birds. To avoid contact with other diseases such as Salmonella never touch a dead bird or other dead animal directly. Dead birds not picked up by the District may be disposed of in the garbage. Use a shovel to put them in a plastic bag, or invert a bag over your hand to pick the bird up, then pull the bag over the bird and put them in the garbage can.
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