News Release                   For Immediate Release

May 4, 2004

Response to Dead or Sick Birds

For West Nile virus (WNv) surveillance, the Public Health Unit is collecting dead crows and blue jays, as well as dead squirrels and small mammals.  These are the early warning system that indicates West Nile virus is present.  If you spot a dead or strange-acting bird or small mammal, report it to your local public health unit immediately.   Please provide the following information:

• Name, mailing address and telephone number
• Exact location of the crow (street address, cross streets, on grass, on road, etc.)
• Condition of the bird (intact, hurt, fresh, mauled, feathers ruffled)
• If you saw the death of the bird, how did the bird behave immediately prior to death?

Birds will only be accepted for testing if they are fresh (i.e., dead for only a few hours).  Otherwise they will be reported as sightings.  If the bird is not fresh and signs of decomposition are present, the bird should be disposed of in one of two ways:

• Bury it 2 feet deep in an area that will not be disturbed.  DO NOT bury it in a vegetable garden.
• Pick it up (wear heavy-duty kitchen gloves), seal in a double bag, and place 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, therefore, should never be handled with bare hands.

There are two public health offices you can call for more information or if you discover a dead bird or animal: Owen Sound at 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 and Walkerton at 881-1920 . For more information please visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

-30-

For more information:

Chris Munn

Manager, Health Protection

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420 ext. 223