Attention News Editor:

News Release               For Immediate Release:

                                                                           May 16, 2006

Response to Dead or Sick Birds

Beginning Tuesday May 16, 2006 Public Health is collecting dead crows, blue jays and ravens as well as dead squirrels/small mammals for the purpose of West Nile Virus (WNV) surveillance. This is the earliest warning system to indicate West Nile Virus.

If you spot a bird or small mammal that is dead or acting strangely, call Public Health immediately with the following information:    

• Name, mailing address and telephone number 

• Exact location of the bird (i.e., street address, cross streets, on grass, on road, etc.)

• Condition of the bird (intact, hurt, fresh, mauled, feathers ruffled)

• How the bird behaved immediately prior to death (if you saw the bird die)

Birds will only be accepted for testing if they are fresh (dead for only a few hours) otherwise they will be reported as a sighting. If the bird is not fresh and signs of decomposition are present, the bird should be disposed of as follows:

• Bury the bird 2 feet deep in an area that will not be disturbed (e.g., NOT in a vegetable garden).

                                   OR

• Using heavy-duty kitchen gloves pick up the bird, seal it in a double bag and place it in the regular garbage.

There is no evidence that WNV can be spread directly from birds to people. However, dead birds and animals can carry a variety of other diseases and should never be handled with bare hands.

If you discover a dead bird or animal, please call 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456. For more information, visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Susan Shular

Infectious Diseases Program Manager

Grey Bruce Health Unit

(519) 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 231