News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         May 12, 2008

Response to Dead or Sick Birds

Beginning Monday, May 12, 2008, 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 519-376-9420 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