West Nile Virus

To report a dead bird, call the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), West Nile Virus Program at 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473). Operators are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week. After 5:00 p.m., please leave a message. In addition, you can report a dead bird anytime, by going on-line at the California West Nile Virus Website.

After you have reported a dead bird, you will be contacted if that bird will be picked up for West Nile virus testing. If you have not been contacted within 24-hours of your report, you may safely dispose of the dead bird in your trash. There is no evidence that West Nile virus can be acquired by handling dead birds, but it is best not to handle the dead bird with your bare hands. Use gloves, a shovel, or a plastic bag to place the bird in a trash bag for disposal. Please DO NOT freeze dead birds. West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, so the best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.

Due to the high volume of reports to the hotline, the California Department of Public Health is unable to respond to each report. However, all of the information received about dead birds is used by public agencies to track where birds are dying. Dead birds are an indicator of West Nile virus activity. This allows the local mosquito and vector control agencies to concentrate mosquito control efforts in those areas.