West Nile Program

The collecting and testing of dead birds and mosquitoes are important components of our West Nile virus surveillance program.

 Results of these tests help us determine the extent of West Nile virus activity. Because the virus generally appears and grows in Illinois bird and mosquito populations before it is transmitted to humans, monitoring bird and mosquito populations helps us predict when and where humans will be at risk for West Nile virus infection as well as where and when additional precautions and control measures should be taken. While many health departments, mosquito abatement districts and other agencies collect and test mosquitoes, we ask the public for help with the collection of dead birds.
 
If you find a dead bird, contact your local health department; it is the agency authorized to pick up dead birds for testing. However, before you ask your local health department to pick up a dead bird, please ensure the following criteria are met:
 
1.         The bird is dead, but the carcass is in good condition.  Birds should be dead no more than about 48 hours prior to collection, and should not show signs of advanced decomposition (maggots, strong odor, dried or deflated eyes).
 
2.         The bird shows no sign it died of causes other than disease.  Birds with obvious injuries such as wounds or missing parts should not be submitted for testing. Likewise, crushed carcasses and birds found along roadways are not acceptable.
 
3.         The bird must be a one that is acceptable for testing.  Some acceptable species are crows, blue jays, grackles, starlings, robins, cardinals, sparrows, finches, hawks and owls. Birds that will not be accepted include pigeons, ducks, geese, chickens, other large birds and endangered species. To help identify the type of bird, see the pictures below. Additional bird images and identification information also is available at the Illinois Raptor Center (see RESOURCES in the right-hand column).
 
If a bird meets these conditions, please call FCPHD at 217-379-9281.
 
Your health department will determine if the bird is acceptable for testing and will pick up acceptable birds. Note that local health departments are authorized to collect a limited number of birds each season (May 1 to October 15). The decision to accept a bird for testing also is based on the bird’s locality. For example, when one or two birds from the same place have tested positive for West Nile virus, there is often no need to test additional birds from that city or locale.
 
Any dead bird that is not collected for testing should be properly disposed of. Use gloves of rubber or latex (i.e., not cloth) or a plastic bag over your hands – or use a shovel, tongs or other instrument to pick up the bird and place it in a plastic bag. Make sure the beak or claws don’t puncture the bag. Seal the bag and then seal it inside a second plastic bag. Put the double-bagged bird with trash that will be picked up, or bury it away from water sources. Wash your hands with soap immediately after disposing of the bird.

 WHAT BIRD IS IT?

To view images of birds FCPHD collects, click here