West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause illness in birds, horses, and humans.  West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.  Dead birds may be a sign that WNV is circulating between birds and the local mosquito population. 

 

West Nile virus is present in the mosquito pools in the state of Washington.  You can protect yourself from WNV by taking measures to avoid mosquito bites.  This can be achieved by staying indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active; wearing a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat when mosquitoes are present; using mosquito repellent when necessary; and keeping windows and doors “bug tight”.  Always use mosquito repellant according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

If there is a dead crow, jay, raven, magpie or hawk, please report it online through the Washington State Department of Health. The reporting form can be found on the "Report a Dead Bird" web page: http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/IllnessandDisease/WestNileVirus/ReportaDeadBird.aspx​.

 

At this time, Island County Public Health is not collecting birds for WNV testing.