Reporting and Submission of Dead Birds for West Nile Virus (WNV) Testing
Dead bird surveillance appears to be the most sensitive early detection system for WNV activity. Birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds, and then transmit the virus to people.
Certain species of birds, in particular corvids (e.g., crows and jays) experience high clinical attack rates. Due to public involvement in reporting dead bird sightings, dead wild birds are readily available over a much wider region than can be sampled by other surveillance methods. Dead bird surveillance can be used for early detection and ongoing monitoring of WNV transmission. Public reports of dead birds are provided to local mosquito control agencies that use this information to target WNV surveillance and control efforts.
South Carolina citizens are encouraged to report dead birds to their local county environmental health office (pdf) because it helps the state monitor WNV activity. To determine if a bird qualifies for WNV testing and directions on how to submit a bird for testing, please see the instructions (pdf). Use the submission and reporting sheet (pdf) to submit a dead bird to your local county environmental health office. Avoid handling live or dead birds with your bare hands. Use gloves or doubled plastic bags to pick up any dead birds you think might qualify for testing.