West Nile Virus Surveillance Program

I Found A Dead Bird

Please click here for the correct phone number to call in your county to submit a dead bird.

As of June 1, 2012 Dead Bird submissions are being accepted for the season.

 West Nile virus infects certain wild birds. The infected birds, especially crows, are known to get sick and die from the infection. Reporting of dead birds is a good way to check for West Nile virus activity in the environment to allow implementation of prevention and control measures to minimize the spread of the virus. The Nebraska West Nile virus Surveillance program relies on Nebraska citizens to report and submit dead birds seen around their property or elsewhere.

Since the virus was detected in New York City in 1999, thousands of dead birds have been submitted for testing by citizens throughout the eastern US. There is no evidence that handling dead birds can transmit West Nile virus. Nebraska residents are strongly encouraged to report and submit dead birds. Upon collection, place in a plastic bag and chill.

Birds of Primary Interest by Priority


Priority 1
Corvids

American Crow
American Crow		 Black-billed Magpie
Black-billed Magpie		 Bluejay
Blue Jay

Priority 2
Raptors
Red Tailed Hawk
Red Tailed Hawk		 Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon		 Owl
Owl

Thumbnail of Bird Comparison Image

< Click on thumbnail to the left to open a high-resolution image showing differences between the American Crow, Black-billed Magpie and other birds that people often confuse.

This is a large image and may take some time to open.  The image can be enlarged further by hovering over the lower right corner and clicking on the expand button.

Questions:
Please click here for the correct phone number to call in your county.

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