Birds
How are birds involved in the transmission of the West Nile virus?
Birds generally become infected through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds or other animals. Infected mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus to humans.
What is the significance of dead birds?
Large numbers of dead birds found in a single area can indicate increased West Nile virus activity. However, since birds can die of many different causes, finding one or more dead birds does not necessarily mean that the virus is present in that bird, or in that area. It is, therefore, extremely important that all dead birds be reported to the West Nile virus hotline so that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene can evaluate whether there is, indeed, evidence of West Nile virus in the city.
Can you get West Nile virus directly from birds?
In 2002, CDC reported one case of a lab worker who contracted WNV from a dead bird specimen after the worker cut his or herself with the tool used for the examination . This is considered an extremely unlikely risk factor for WNV transmission to the general public. However, as dead birds can carry a variety of diseases, they should never be handled with bare hands. To properly dispose of a dead bird, use gloves to carefully place the bird in double-plastic bags then place in the outdoor trash.
If I see a dead bird, what should I do?
Report all dead bird sightings within NYC, especially crows and blue jays by calling 311 or logging on our website at www.nyc.gov/health/wnv. This will assist us in our efforts to monitor possible WNV activity.While every report is important to our monitoring efforts, we will be collecting only a sample of the dead birds and not every dead bird reported. If you do not receive a phone call from the DOHMH to arrange pick up of the dead bird within 2 business days of making the report, please dispose of the dead bird. Use gloves to carefully place dead birds in double-plastic bags and then place in the outdoor trash.
How do I dispose of a dead bird?
As dead birds can carry a variety of diseases, they should never be handled with bare hands. Either use disposable gloves to carefully place the bird in a double plastic bag, or use a double plastic bag as a glove to pick up the bird, then tie off the bag and place it in the outdoor trash.
Where did West Nile virus come from?
Outbreaks of West Nile virus have occurred before in Africa, Egypt, Israel, Asia, Romania, Russia and France. Before 1999, West Nile virus had never before been found in the Western Hemisphere. The virus was most likely introduced by an infected bird or mosquito that was imported from a country where the virus is common.
For more information on West Nile virus, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health/wnv.
