West Nile Virus Surveillance and Data
Dead Bird Reporting
The Health Department is conducting its annual West Nile virus surveillance in Vermont for the 2009 mosquito season.
Call to report all dead birds.
All dead bird reports (whether the birds are tested or not) are important and will help us understand more about the spread of West Nile virus in Vermont.
What birds will be tested?
The Health Department will test as many robins, jays, crows, ravens and raptors (hawks, owls, falcons, vultures, eagles) as possible for West Nile virus. These bird species are the most important for indicating the presence of the virus.
Wear gloves when handling and disposing of a dead animal. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water afterwards.
Dead Bird Report Line
If you have found a dead bird, report it to the Health Department by calling the central dead bird reporting line: 1-800-913-1139. Surveillance staff will help assess whether the bird can be tested.
You may also call your District Office, Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
| Barre | 479-4200 | Burlington | 863-7323 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newport | 334-6707 | St. Johnsbury | 748-5151 |
| Bennington | 447-3531 | Middlebury | 388-4644 |
| Rutland | 786-5811 | Springfield | 885-5778 |
| Brattleboro | 257-2880 | Morrisville | 888-7447 |
| St. Albans | 524-7970 | White River Jct. | 295-8820 |
People cannot get West Nile virus from handling dead birds. However, it is a good idea to wear gloves when handling a dead animal, and to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards.
A Note About Bird Flu (H5N1)
There is no evidence of birds carrying the H5N1 bird flu virus in North America.
However, the Department of Fish & Wildlife is conducting surveillance by testing some dead birds for bird flu (such as ducks, geese, gulls, and herons).
If you find a dead water or shore bird, or five or more dead birds at one time:
- Call USDA Wildlife Services at 1-800-472-2437
If you have sick or dead poultry:
- Call the Vermont Agency of Agriculture at 1-800-675-9873
For more information about Bird Flu, visit the our Avian Influenza web site.