What to Do When You Find A Dead Bird
The Maryland Public Health Hot Topics Line will continue to
provide WNV information to callers, but presently does not
offer operator-assisted dead bird reporting. Pick-up and testing
of dead birds is not available at this time.
Dead bird surveillance during the past three years has
provided valuable information on the spread of WNV in Maryland.
West Nile virus has now been detected in human and animal
populations in nearly all jurisdictions in Maryland, and
is expected to return each year.
If you find a dead bird, please dispose of it as follows:
- Wear plastic or latex gloves or use a plastic bag as
a glove,
- With your gloved hand, place or wrap the bird in a
plastic bag and tie the bag securely,
- Dispose of the bag (and gloves) in an outdoor trash
receptacle, and
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
Sick or injured birds should be reported to your local
wildlife rehabilitator (call 1-877-463-6497 for a list of
licensed rehabilitators).
Maryland residents seeking general information about West
Nile virus are encouraged to call the Maryland Public Health
Hot Topics Line at:
1 - 866 - 866 – 2769 (CROW)
This telephone line will continue to offer pre-recorded
messages regarding West Nile virus 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. In addition, WNV information can be obtained
online by visiting the Maryland West
Nile Virus Information Page.
For more information about West Nile virus, please contact
your local health department or the Center for Veterinary
Public Health at (410) 767 – 5649.
May 2003 |
are PDF. Download