KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - With West Nile virus on the horizon this summer, Public Health – Seattle & King County is encouraging King County residents to report dead birds to its Environmental Health Division at 206-205-4394. Crows and jays are particularly important to report, because they tend to die quickly from West Nile virus. Public Health will use the dead bird reports to track the potential arrival of West Nile virus in King County.
“The dead bird tracking system is in place to give us advance warning of West Nile virus in the county before we see a case of human illness,” said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director and Health Officer of Public Health – Seattle & King County. “With their timely bird reports, residents play an essential role in helping us conduct this important surveillance work.”
A small subset of crows will be tested for the West Nile virus at the National Wildlife Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin. The majority of dead birds will not be tested, but will be entered into the mapping database that Public Health will use to identify any unusual increase in bird deaths, which might be attributable to West Nile.
To report a dead bird call Environmental Health at 206-205-4394 between 8:00 and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents may leave a message on the answering machine if they call to report a bird after hours or on the weekend. There is also an online bird reporting form at www.metrokc.gov/health/westnile/deadbird.htm. Be prepared to report the precise address of the dead bird, the time and date the bird was found, and the species (if known).
Birds may be disposed of in the garbage. Under natural conditions, people cannot contract West Nile virus directly from a bird, but for hygiene purposes do not touch any dead animal with your bare hands. Use a shovel, gloves or other barrier to double bag the dead bird in plastic and deposit in the garbage.
Experts believe that 20% of people bitten by an infected mosquito come down with West Nile fever, which may result in illness that ranges from mild to severe, flu-like symptoms. One percent of infected people have more serious neurological illnesses such encephalitis or meningitis. The majority of people bitten by infected mosquitoes do not experience any symptoms.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting an infected bird that carries the virus. West Nile virus is not spread by person-to-person contact, nor is it transmitted directly from birds or other animals to people. Mosquito season, when West Nile virus is of most concern, runs from spring through late fall.
Public Health recommends minimizing mosquito breeding habitat near your home by getting rid of standing water at least once a week. Screens will keep the mosquitoes out of your home, and insect repellent will stop mosquitoes from biting when they are encountered.
Tips for reducing habitat and preparing the home:
