Why do we Monitor Dead Birds?
Birds and horses typically become infected with West Nile virus (WNV) before humans, so dead birds and sick and dead horses are an indicator of WNV activity. We use animal surveillance (birds and horses) to map the location of WNV. This helps health and mosquito control officials know where WNV is present and they can take whatever measures are available to lessen the impact of WNV on humans and horses.

Dead Bird Reporting
Report only dead crows, ravens, jays, and magpies to the Ripley County Department of Health. Contact Ripley County Sheriffs Department if you find dead birds of prey (for example, eagles, hawks). If you find a dead bird on your property, DO NOT SEND it to state or local health agencies. Call the West Nile Virus 1-812-689-5751 Ext # 296 Monday through Friday for  instructions.

You will be asked to provide the following information:

• Name
• Phone number
• Bird species
• Number dead
• Address where the bird was found, and
• Approximate date of the bird's death.

If the bird is suitable for testing you will be advised on how to handle and submit the carcasses.

If you are asked to send a dead bird for testing, handle it with gloves or put a plastic bag over your hand to pick up the carcass. Then double-bag the bird and add an ice pack if available. Place the bagged bird in a cool place but not in your refrigerator or freezer (for example, shaded area next to house).

WNV is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. Persons cannot become infected through contact with an infected bird, horse, or human. You will be advised by the person you speak with on how the carcass(es) will be transported to the laboratory for testing. Not every bird that is submitted will be tested.

Reasons for not accepting samples include the bird is too decomposed, large number of birds have already been submitted from the area, the bird is the wrong species, etc.

Results
Results are usually available within 3 to 4 weeks. Persons will be notified ONLY IF the bird is positive. The Indiana State Health Department will continue to test jays, magpies, crows, and ravens from the state between April 1 and October 30 or until further notice.