Dead Birds and the West Nile Virus

Surveillance of dead birds has been a very useful indicator of the spread of West Nile Virus across the nation--West Nile Virus has now been identified in 48 states.

Because we know that West Nile Virus is currently present in the county we are no longer collecting dead birds for testing.  Our focus will be identifying and controlling populations of mosquitoes that are carrying the disease.

If you have a dead bird in your yard, it can be safely disposed of in the trash.
Use a shovel, gloves or a plastic bag to pick up the bird and throw it away.

The Ohio Department of Health, Zoonotic Diseases Vector-borne Disease Program has been monitoring live birds for the presence of West Nile Virus. The information they collect helps to track the status of West Nile statewide, and is a better source of information than dead bird collection.